LAWS & CONSEQUENCES
SOCIAL HOST LAWS
Providing alcohol to minors is both illegal and dangerous. Underage drinking increases the risk of accidents, alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and long-term health consequences. In Massachusetts, the Social Host Law makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly or negligently provide, supply, or allow alcohol to be consumed by minors (under 21) on their property. Violating this law can result in severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and civil liability.
Key Points:
- A social host can be anyone (not just parents) who controls the premises where underage drinking occurs.
- You can be held liable even if you didn’t provide the alcohol but were aware of its presence.
- Penalties include fines up to $2,000, imprisonment up to a year, or both, along with potential civil lawsuits if harm results.
- The law applies to private residences, rental properties, and other venues.
- Even if parents are not home, they can still be held responsible if underage drinking occurs on their property and they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
- The only exception: Parents or grandparents may legally provide alcohol only to their own child or grandchild in their own home. However, this does not extend to other minors, even with parental permission.
By following the Social Host Law, you help prevent underage drinking, protect young people from harm, and reduce legal risks for yourself and others. For more information, visit Mass.gov or contact your local authorities.
FAKE IDS
Using or possessing a fake or altered ID is illegal and can result in serious legal, academic, and long-term consequences for minors under the age of 21.
- A minor under age 21 caught using or in possession of a fake ID will be fined $300 and summoned to appear in District Court.
- Charges related to fake ID use may appear on a criminal record, which can have negative implications for college admissions and future employment.
- Police will report the offense to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The RMV will automatically suspend the individual’s driver’s license for 180 days (or longer if convicted).
- Creating or altering an ID is considered a separate felony offense.
- Additional charges, penalties, and fees may apply depending on the circumstances.
Information summarized from Massachusetts General Laws and Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles policies. Laws and penalties are subject to change.
CANNABIS/MARIJUANA
Possession of cannabis by someone under 21 may lead to civil penalties and additional requirements.
- Ages 18–20: Possession of 2 ounces or less results in a $100 civil fine and confiscation of the marijuana.
- Age 17 and under: Possession of 2 ounces or less results in a $100 civil fine, confiscation, completion of a 4-hour drug awareness program, and 10 hours of community service to be completed within one year.
- If the drug awareness program and community service are not completed within one year, the fine may increase (up to $1,000) and additional legal consequences can apply.
Information summarized from Massachusetts General Laws. Laws and penalties are subject to change.
Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition 