Teen Alcohol Liability
August 19, 2010
Until yesterday, social hosts were immune under CA “dramshop” laws from liability for furnishing alcohol to others. The Governor yestedray signed AB 2486 into law, holding parents or social hosts who furnish alcohol to minors civilly liable for damages caused by the minor’s conduct after intoxication. “Shelby’s law” gained support tragically after a 17 year-old young woman died of alcohol poisoning after consuming a large quantity of alcohol at a friend’s parents home. Parents will now be responsible for injuries or deaths caused if they permit (knowingly or constructively) under-age drinking in the home. It’s about time.