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 Vermont, social host liability is somewhat limited compared to other states. Vermont does not have a specific social host liability statute that holds social hosts accountable for the actions of their adult guests who become intoxicated. However, Vermont does have laws that prohibit the furnishing of alcohol to minors. Under Vermont law, it is illegal for anyone to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. If a social host provides alcohol to a minor, and that minor causes injury or property damage, the host can be held liable. This liability is particularly likely if the host knew or should have known that the minor would be driving or if the minor was visibly intoxicated. The liability for serving minors is covered under Vermont's general statutes regarding the provision of alcohol to underage individuals and the consequences thereof. It's important for social hosts in Vermont to be aware of these laws to avoid potential legal consequences.