It has been on the books for two years now but Wednesday, Albany County reintroduced its "Social Host Law" just in time for Super Bowl weekend.
"It is not acceptable to serve alcohol to minors," says Albany County Legislator Chris Higgins. "It's not acceptable to invite them into your house and give them wine, whether it's for a social party, a high school graduation or a Super Bowl party."
The law closes a loophole in state law and holds adults who do just that accountable, charging violators with endangering the welfare of a child.
Prominent local eye doctor George Stasior faces that charge for his alleged role in an underage drinking party at his Loudonville home last summer.
Stasior is accused of serving drinks to about 20 minors, including a 16-year-old who needed medical treatment.
"It doesn't matter what you do for a living," Albany County District Attorney David Soares says. "If you're exercising poor judgment and you're having an event that you can't even monitor, then you should be held accountable."
The law isn't just for parents. Soares points out the growing number of parties being thrown in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany, including this one last February on Hamilton Street that was advertised on Facebook. Among those arrested were three UAlbany students.
"We have young college students that are being prosecuted and being sent to jail and being kicked out of college," says Soares. "And that message needs to be delivered."
And that's just what law enforcement plans to do, with unannounced DWI stops across the county.
"Expect us out there every single night of the week," says Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.
