Social host liability refers to the body of law (statutes and court opinions) that governs the liability of social hosts who serve alcohol to adults or minors. The question of social host liability arises when the adults or minors served alcohol are injured, or injure others.

In many states a social host—including the guest’s employer—who does not charge an adult guest—18 years or older in some states and 21 years or older in other states—for alcoholic drinks and who does not serve the beverages under the authority of a license or permit—is not liable for the guest’s actions or injuries to himself or others.

But in most states an adult social host is liable for personal injuries and property damage caused by a minor to whom the social host provides or furnishes alcoholic beverages—especially if the social host knew or should have known the minor would drive a motor vehicle under the influence or if the minor was obviously intoxicated when the social host provided or furnished alcoholic beverages.

Laws regarding social host liability vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Ohio, social host liability is somewhat limited compared to other states. Ohio does not generally hold social hosts liable for the actions of their adult guests who are served alcohol in a social setting, as long as the host does not charge for the alcohol and is not serving under a license or permit. However, when it comes to minors, Ohio law is stricter. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.69(A), a social host can be held liable for providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21. This liability extends to any resulting injuries or property damage caused by the intoxicated minor. The law is particularly stringent if the social host knew or should have known that the minor would be driving, or if the minor was visibly intoxicated. It's important for social hosts in Ohio to be aware of these laws to avoid potential legal consequences.