Maryland adults who knowingly and willfully allow underage persons to drink alcohol in their homes now run the risk of being sued. Referring to it as "social host responsibility," Maryland's highest court ruled that adults can now be held liable to third parties if a minor gets hurt or hurts someone else after consuming alcohol in their home.
The ruling stems from two drunk driving related deaths that occurred after minors were permitted to consume alcohol in Maryland homes.
There are exceptions to the ruling. Parents are allowed to serve alcohol for their own children in the house or at a religious ceremony, for example. However, this new precedent means parents should really think twice and weigh the risks.