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 Wyoming, social host liability is not as clearly defined by statutes as in some other states. Wyoming does not have a specific social host liability law that holds hosts responsible for the actions of their adult guests who consume alcohol. However, Wyoming law does prohibit the provision of alcohol to minors. Under Wyoming Statutes § 12-6-101, it is illegal to sell or furnish alcoholic liquor or malt beverages to a person under the age of 21. If an adult provides alcohol to a minor, and the minor subsequently causes injury or property damage, the host could potentially be held liable under general negligence principles, especially if the host knew or should have known that the minor would be driving or if the minor was visibly intoxicated. It is important to note that while there may not be a specific social host statute, civil liability could still arise from common law negligence claims.