The Party Guide

Anytime you host a party you risk these problems:

1. Noise/Nuisance Violations
2. Disorderly Conduct
3. Littering
4. Improper Parking
5. Lease Violations

Providing and serving alcohol comes with consequences! You could be liable for the following:

Criminal Liability

• Provide, equip or supply alcohol to an underage person
• Underage possession
• False identification
• Alcohol permit violations
• Driving under the influence
• Open container
• Excessive noise

Civil Liability

In addition to criminal liability, a party host who serves alcohol to an underage person may be civilly liable to third parties for personal injuries and property damage caused by the underage person.

• As a host you are accountable for your party. To avoid underage possession of alcohol, check an Ohio driver’s license at the place where alcohol is served and monitor the premises to ensure that underage persons are not avoiding your efforts.
• Unless you have a permit, you cannot sell alcohol, any commodity to cover the cost of alcohol, or take up a collection or charge an admission cost. Unless you have an “F” permit for serving alcohol, you may not have a public party. 
• Ensure your party stays private by limiting the number of guests, monitoring guests as they arrive, closing doors and closing windows. If your party is private, then the police may not enter your dwelling without a warrant or your consent.
• Keeping your guests indoors can keep noise levels down. Closing windows and doors will also reduce the noise heard by your neighbors. Monitor the loudness of your party by periodically checking the level of noise at your property lines.
• Ensure that restrooms are available, so your guests are not using the outdoors. You should also warn your guests against damaging your property and the landlord’s residence. 
• Do not permit drug use at your party. Merely permitting drug use is a crime.
• Moderation is key to a successful party. If guests consume too much alcohol, they are likely to use poor judgment. Poor judgment can lead to criminal behavior. Excessive alcohol consumption may also lead to other consequences such as alcoholism, strained relationships, poor academic performance and other undesirable results.

• As a host, you can save your guests considerable trouble and money by insisting that all alcohol be left at the door. If your guests carry open containers of alcohol on city sidewalks or streets, they will be cited. 
• As your guests begin to leave the party, do not allow those who have consumed alcohol to drive home. If a guest has consumed alcohol, ensure that a designated driver takes them home safely. Remind your guests that driving under the influence is not only extremely dangerous but convictions usually cost thousands of dollars in fines, alcohol treatment/assessment, BMV fees and insurance increases in addition to a license suspension and mandatory jail time.
• Clean up all litter immediately. 

• As a guest, you have an obligation to be considerate to the host and the host’s neighbors. Please avoid damaging property or trespassing on other people’s property.
• Be aware of the noise levels you generate, especially when you are traveling to/from a party.
• Leave your drink at the party; carrying an open container of alcohol on the public sidewalks or streets is a crime. 
• Use the restrooms at the party. Using the outdoors is not environmentally safe and may result in charges of disorderly conduct or indecent exposure.
• Remember that moderation and responsible drinking reduce your risks. When alcohol is not used in moderation, it can lead to criminal behavior and other social problems.

The police may visit your party for a variety of reasons. Be courteous to them and obey their orders, including orders to disperse. If you do not cooperate with the police, you increase your chances of receiving a citation for disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, resisting arrest or obstruction of justice. Be aware that the police may issue a citation without any prior warning.

If you have complaints regarding police conduct, do not aggravate the situation. Instead, take notes. Write down a description of the events while they are fresh in your mind. Then present the information to Student Legal Services or the Bowling Green City Council. 

If the police arrest you, stay calm and polite. You should not resist, flee or evade the officers. Remember, you do have the right to remain silent, so inform the police that you do not wish to answer any questions until your attorney is present. The law only requires that you identify yourself. This right is important because any admissions or statements you make to the police can and will be used against you.

As a student and resident, Bowling Green is your town and you are an integral part of the community. Respect your town and its other residents.

Communicate with people that will be affected by your party, especially neighbors. The more consideration and respect shown for your neighbors, the more consideration and respect you will receive from them. Strive to understand others regardless of their age, race, sex, culture, traditions or political perspective. This way, differences may be resolved honestly and directly.

Maintain a safe and attractive place to live, work and obtain an education. Be concerned about the safety and welfare of others. Show the community that you deserve its trust by carefully operating motor vehicles, respecting your landlord’s property and carefully using and distributing alcohol.