Being a parent does not mean you can simply provide alcohol to someone under 21.
North Dakota law generally prohibits providing alcoholic beverages to people under 21, with specific exceptions in state law. Know the law before deciding what is allowed.
Allowing underage drinking can still create problems for the person responsible for the gathering or property.
North Dakota HHS identifies social-host laws as a prevention strategy that can hold people accountable for knowingly providing an environment where underage drinking occurs. Local ordinances may vary.
The safest choice? Don’t provide alcohol, and don’t allow underage drinking in your home.
Supervision doesn’t make underage drinking safe or automatically legal.
Being in the same house—or checking in on a party—doesn't replace clear rules and active steps to prevent underage drinking.
Supervise the gathering. Don’t supervise the drinking.
Almost 21 is still under 21.
A friend who is 20, a high school senior, a younger sibling or a college roommate is still underage. Being close in age doesn’t change the legal responsibility of the person providing alcohol.
Buying alcohol for someone under 21 can still mean you provided it.
“I'm just doing them a favor” doesn't remove your responsibility. If someone under 21 is asking you to purchase alcohol for them, the safest answer is no.
You can still be a source—and you can still make a difference.
Not in My House is for anyone who has influence over young people: older siblings, friends, relatives, neighbors, coaches, mentors and other adults.
You don't have to be a parent to set a boundary.
You can absolutely welcome your child's friends into your home.
Set expectations before they arrive:
- Alcohol isn't allowed.
- No one under 21 may possess or drink alcohol.
- You know who is there.
- You have a plan if someone brings alcohol.
- Your child knows they can come to you if something goes wrong.
Being the house where kids gather can be a good thing. Being the house where kids get alcohol isn't.
Stay calm, make safety the priority and take action.
Remove access to alcohol, separate young people from unsafe situations and get help if someone is seriously intoxicated or in danger. Afterward, talk with your child about what happened and revisit your household expectations.
Depending on the situation and applicable law, providing alcohol or allowing underage drinking can have legal and financial consequences.
These may include fines, criminal penalties, legal responsibility for injuries or other consequences, and other impacts. North Dakota law and local ordinances should be reviewed for the specific circumstances.
No. It means you can host without providing alcohol to minors.
Have food. Play games. Watch a movie. Have a bonfire. Celebrate. Give young people a place to hang out.
Make your house the place they want to be—not the place they go to get alcohol.