Parental Liability for Underage Drinking in Virginia | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Under Virginia law, parents may be both criminally and civilly liable for hosting parties where alcohol is served to minors.  While some parents believe that “kids will be kids” and it’s better to allow them to drink at home, in a supervised party, than somewhere out of the house, this simply isn’t true.  As far as the law is concerned, children must wait until they’re 21!

As a parent, you can be criminally charged with a with a crime, specifically a Class 1 misdemeanor for purchasing, aiding and abetting, or giving alcohol to minors. This charge carries a $2,500 fine and/or up to a year in prison.

On top of any criminal penalties, you can be held liable for any injuries that occur to the child or injuries or damages caused by the child to anyone else.

The Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control offers a parental guide to hosting responsible teen parties.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.