On guard, guardians

Columnist Rebecca Mack’s article “Condemn drinking, or control it?” suggests that it is legal in Washington for parents to host an underage drinking party, as long as the host parents have a verbal contract with the other parents to act as “guardian” for the night.

In Washington, it is unlawful for any person to permit anyone under 21 years old to consume liquor on his or her premises or any premises under his or her control. Violation of this law is a criminal offense. A “guardian” for a minor is appointed by the county Superior Court, not by a simple verbal contract.

Besides the criminal act of providing alcohol to minors whom they are not legally responsible for, host parents should seriously consider the civil liability they could face if one of these minors damaged property or injured someone at (or after) one of these illegal parties.

Persons should contact their legal representative or local law enforcement if they have any questions about this law. (Reference RCW 66.44.270 and RCW 11.88.010.)

Robert Reynolds

Spokane