Hosting Graduation Parties? What Wisconsin Law Says About Underage Drinking At Your Home

Graduation season is a time for celebration. Across La Crosse, Sparta, and surrounding Wisconsin communities, families gather to honor students’ achievements with backyard parties, bonfires, and open houses. But amidst the excitement, hosts must remember: when it comes to underage drinking, Wisconsin law is clear — and the consequences for allowing it, even unintentionally, can be serious. Whether you plan to host a large graduation party or a small gathering for friends and family, it’s critical to understand your legal responsibilities. At Bosshard Parke, we regularly advise individuals on how to stay compliant with Wisconsin’s social host and underage drinking laws and protect themselves from legal liability.

Wisconsin’s Underage Drinking Laws

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 — with very limited exceptions. Even if you did not physically hand a drink to a minor, allowing underage guests to consume alcohol on your property can expose you to legal consequences.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You can be held responsible if minors drink alcohol at your home, even if you did not directly serve them.
• Simply “allowing” underage drinking to happen — by failing to prevent it — may be enough to result in citations or lawsuits.
• Parents cannot “give permission” for someone else’s minor child to drink alcohol at your home.

In short, as a host, you have an affirmative duty to prevent underage drinking on your property.

Limited Exceptions To The Rule

Wisconsin law does permit parents, guardians, or spouses (who are of legal drinking age) to provide alcohol to their own minor child only in their presence. However, this exception:

• Applies only to their own child (not a niece, nephew, or friend).
• Requires physical presence — it is not enough to “give permission” remotely.

Even under this exception, extreme caution is advised. If other minors drink at your party because alcohol is readily available, you could still face penalties.

Potential Legal Consequences for Hosting Parties with Underage Drinking

Violating Wisconsin’s underage drinking laws can result in both criminal and civil liability for hosts.

Criminal Penalties:

• A host can face fines up to $500 per underage individual found drinking at the event.
• In more serious cases involving injury or death, hosts may face enhanced charges.

Civil Liability:

If an underage guest who drank at your party causes injury to themselves or others (for example, in a drunk driving crash), you may be sued for damages — including medical costs, property damage, and wrongful death claims.

The potential financial and emotional toll of such liability can be devastating.

Common Misconceptions About Hosting Graduation Parties

Unfortunately, good intentions are not enough to protect you legally. It’s important to be aware of common myths:

• “If I take everyone’s keys, it’s fine.”
  • Wrong. Even if no one drives, providing alcohol to minors is illegal.
• “If the parents say it’s okay, I’m off the hook.”
  • False. Only a parent or guardian can give alcohol to their own child — and they must be present.
• “Everyone else does it.”
  • Other people’s choices will not protect you if you face legal action.

How To Host A Safe Graduation Party

If you are planning a graduation celebration, here are proactive steps you can take:

• Clearly communicate a no-alcohol policy to all guests under 21.
• Supervise the party actively to ensure compliance.
• Secure any alcohol in your home to prevent easy access.
• Hire professional security for larger events, if necessary.
• Be prepared to ask minors who bring alcohol to leave immediately.

Graduation is a wonderful milestone — and protecting young people’s safety, as well as your own legal interests, ensures that celebrations remain positive.

Protect Yourself And Your Guests

If you are facing charges or legal action related to underage drinking at your home— the attorneys at Bosshard Parke are here to help.

We have decades of experience assisting individuals throughout La Crosse, Sparta, and western Wisconsin with criminal defense, liability concerns, and personal injury matters. Our team can provide knowledgeable guidance to help you understand your rights and obligations under Wisconsin law.

Contact Bosshard Parke today to request a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, please consult an attorney at Bosshard Parke.