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 Idaho, social host liability is limited and does not generally impose responsibility on social hosts for the actions of their adult guests. Idaho Code § 6-1607 states that a person who provides alcoholic beverages to another person is not liable for damages caused by the intoxication of the other person, except when it is provided to a minor. This means that in Idaho, a social host may be held liable if they provide alcohol to a minor and that minor subsequently causes injury or property damage, particularly if the host knew or should have known that the minor would likely drive a vehicle while under the influence or if the minor was visibly intoxicated. It is important to note that the legal drinking age in Idaho is 21, and providing alcohol to anyone under that age is against the law. Employers or other adults who host social gatherings should be particularly cautious about serving alcohol to minors to avoid potential liability.