Hosting a Halloween party where minors drink could mean fines or jail time for Scarsdale parents. That's the message from the Village of Scarsdale and Scarsdale Action for Youth (SAY) in a safety advisory posted Thursday, Oct. 29.

The advisory targets what SAY calls "Halloweekend," the weekend closest to Halloween that the group says has become linked to teen alcohol and drug use. The Village of Scarsdale shared the message from SAY, which works with community partners on youth safety.

Under Westchester County's Social Host Law, adults 21 or older can face legal penalties for knowingly allowing underage drinking at their home.

The law also applies to adults who fail to take reasonable steps to stop it once they become aware, according to the advisory. That holds even if the adult did not provide the alcohol.

The Westchester County District Attorney's office spells out the consequences: first and second offenses carry fines. A third offense is a misdemeanor that could mean a criminal conviction and jail time. Separately, under New York State Penal Law, anyone who gives, sells or causes to be given or sold any alcoholic beverage to someone under 21 faces potential prosecution for Unlawfully Dealing with a Child, a class A misdemeanor. The penalty is up to one year in jail, a fine, or both, according to the DA's office.

What parents should do

SAY's advisory lists specific steps:

  • Talk to teens about their Halloween plans and the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
  • Lock up alcohol and drugs, including prescriptions.
  • If hosting a party, ensure responsible adults are present and actively supervising. Set clear expectations that underage drinking and illegal drug use are not allowed.
  • Know who your teens are inviting and set limits on guest numbers. The advisory warns that open parties can spread quickly through social media, drawing more people than expected.
  • Tell teens they can call home at any time without consequence if they or a friend need help.
  • Do not try to sober someone up with food or water, which can cause choking.

When to call 911

The advisory's most urgent message: teens should call 911 immediately if a friend is unconscious, unresponsive or showing signs of a possible overdose. Don't wait.

Teens may hesitate out of fear of getting in trouble. But New York State's 911 Good Samaritan Law provides certain legal protections for people who seek emergency medical help during a drug or alcohol overdose, according to the New York State Department of Health.

The law protects everyone regardless of age, including the person who overdosed.

The advisory also cites the Centers for Disease Control as reporting that 94% of underage drinking meets the criteria for binge drinking. Younger teens usually get alcohol from home, while older teens often obtain large amounts of alcohol using fake IDs, according to the advisory.

Parents with questions can contact the Village Manager's Office at 914-722-1110.