HAVING PEOPLE OVER Noise is a common concern in the neighborhood. Such problems can be the result of loud and overcrowded parties. The best strategy we can recommend comes in the form of a piece of friendly advice we heard from an elderly neighbor: “Don’t have a party. Go to one.” If you decide to host a party, remember it is your responsibility to keep social events under control. The following tips are useful guidelines whenever you host an off-campus party: ❑ Inform your neighbors of your plans ahead of time. Give them a contact name and phone number where you can be reached in case they have a problem. ❑ Avoid parking problems. Consider the parking needs of your neighbors. ❑ Monitor the noise level coming from your house or apartment.
❑ Clean your house and the property after a party. Remove all garbage from the yard and street. Keep your neighborhood clean. ❑ If you serve alcohol, limit amount served and never serve to underage people. ❑ Close your windows – noise travels easily on a quiet night, and if your windows are open, odds are your neighbors’ windows are open too. Remember you are responsible for the behavior of your guests. It is also important to note if the police or Public Safety have to visit an off-campus party and a report is filed, the residents will be subject to the discipline process at St. Thomas. Sanctions can include, but are not limited to, conduct probation and suspension. Students on conduct probation cannot apply to or study abroad and may not be able to apply for some leadership positions on campus.
❑ Remind guests to leave the party quietly.
ST. PAUL’S SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE The Social Host Ordinance in St. Paul holds individuals criminally responsible for hosting or allowing an event or gathering on private or public property where persons under 21 years of age possess or consume alcohol – regardless of who supplies the alcohol. A social host citation is a misdemeanor, with a potential maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. This ordinance applies to situations in which:
sure; this serves the added benefit of ensuring no one enters your property who you do not know.
❑ The social host knows or reasonably should know that alcohol is being possessed or consumed by persons under 21 years of age at their residence or premises.
CONTROL THE QUANTITY OF ALCOHOL.
❑ The social host fails to prevent possession or consumption by the underage person(s) at any event that she or he is hosting on public or private property. To be a responsible social host, follow these guidelines suggested by the St. Paul Police: VERIFY THE AGE OF GUESTS.
Have someone carding guests at the door so you’re
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CONTROL ACCESS TO ALCOHOL.
Think about using wrist-bands for guests over 21 years of age, and think about where the alcohol is. Do not let someone who is not 21 years of age bring alcohol in to your party.
Legal drinking is all about moderation – too much can definitely be a negative and create some very problematic situations. If problems occur at your home, you are responsible for them. CALL THE POLICE FOR ASSISTANCE WITH UNINVITED GUESTS.
Sometimes if you do not let people into your party, they will hang around near your property, still creating problems. Do not hesitate to protect yourself and call the authorities to deal with them.