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Being a Responsible Host

10 things you can do to be a responsible host

  1. Talk to your neighbors BEFORE you decide to host a party. Give them your phone number and ask that they call you in case things get too loud.
  2. Make sure that food is available so your guests have something to eat.
  3. Limit the number of people you invite and monitor who shows up. If you don’t know someone, don’t let them in.
  4. Do not serve alcohol to anyone under 21. You can be arrested for distributing alcohol to minors.
  5. Have water and non-alcoholic beverages available all night.
  6. Keep your guests indoors and monitor the noise level by stepping outside periodically.
  7. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning. A person with alcohol poisoning cannot sleep it off!
  8. Make sure that your guests have a designated driver, or call a cab. The host can be held liable for injuries caused by a guest who drives drunk.
  9. Keep your guests off your neighbor’s property. It’s your party, not your neighbors.
  10. If the police get involved, be respectful and cooperate. They will not ask twice.

KEEP THE PARTY UNDER CONTROL

Spontaneity may be the spice of life, but when it comes to hosting a social gathering, it is important that you develop a smart and responsible plan for keeping your party safe and under control. A key thing to remember is that as the host of the social gathering, you are responsible for both yourself and your guests. If you consider and apply the following information to any future social plans, you’ll limit the trouble you and your guests have with neighbors, the police and/or Monmouth University.

EXCESSIVE NOISE, OPEN CONTAINERS, AND DISORDERLY

CONDUCT

Noise has always been the number one complaint that neighbors have with one another. If your rental is making noise past 8 p.m., it’s quite possible that you’ll receive a visit from the police. Any noise loud enough to cross a property line can lead to a violation. In most communities, a first offense noise summons will cost you at least $300. This includes music, but also noise created by your guests when they arrive or leave (yelling, talking, car horns).

In all of the communities that surround Monmouth University, it is illegal for individuals to have open containers of alcohol on public sidewalks or streets, regardless of age. Open container violations will cost a person up to $500 and possible loss of a driver’s license.

Disorderly conduct can get you or your guests arrested and is punishable by fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

SELLING ALCOHOL OR SERVING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

Supplying alcohol to persons under 21 carries severe consequences both on and off campus. If you are caught you can be arrested for providing alcohol to minors and may face stiff fines, loss of license and possible sanctions from the University. If you are convicted for selling alcohol at your property, you could face arrest, loss of driver’s license and fines of at least $1,000 or more.

UNIVERSITY JURISDICTION OFF CAMPUS

It’s important for Monmouth University students to understand that regardless of whether they live on campus or off campus, they can still be charged under the Student Code of Conduct for incidents that occur off campus.

DRINKING AND DRIVING: A DANGEROUS MIX

The State of New Jersey is very clear when it says that alcohol and automobiles are a dangerous combination. If you or a guest is convicted of a first offense DWI, the minimum penalties include:

  • loss of driver’s license for 6 months;
  • a fine of $1,000;
  • participation in a NJ State mandated driver’s education program;
  • attorney’s fees; and
  • insurance increases which are estimated at $8,000

Wouldn’t it make more sense to have a designated driver, have someone call a cab, or allow the person to stay with you? As a reminder, the NJ State BAC limit is 0.08, but any amount of alcohol will affect a person’s ability to operate a car.

NEIGHBOR RELATIONS AND CLEANING UP

Your neighbors care what their neighborhood looks like and so should you. If you host a party make sure that the neighborhood is free of any trash that may have been left by your guests. Also be mindful of parking if guests are driving to your rental. Don’t allow guests to park on yards or sidewalks, or block the driveways of your neighbors.