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 consume alcohol. However, Vermont does have laws that prohibit the furnishing of alcohol to minors. Under Vermont law, it is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. If a social host knowingly provides alcohol to a minor, or fails to take reasonable steps to prevent underage drinking, they can be held liable if the minor causes injury or property damage. This liability can extend to situations where the social host should have known that the minor would drive under the influence. The key factor in these cases is the provision of alcohol to a minor, rather than to an adult guest.