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 Arizona, social host liability is limited when it comes to providing alcohol to those who are of legal drinking age. Under Arizona law, a social host who provides alcohol to a guest who is at least 21 years old generally cannot be held liable for damages or injuries caused by the intoxicated guest once they leave the host's premises. However, Arizona does impose liability on social hosts who knowingly provide alcohol to minors (persons under the age of 21). If a social host furnishes alcohol to a minor, and the minor subsequently causes injury or property damage, the host can be held liable, particularly if the host knew or should have known that the minor would be driving or if the minor was visibly intoxicated. These regulations are designed to discourage the provision of alcohol to minors and to hold those who do so accountable for the potential consequences.