You agree to let your teenager invite friends over. Later, you learn that some guests drank beer at your house. Police now ask whether you supplied it, even though you never bought or served any drinks.
In Texas, you could face criminal charges for buying or giving alcohol to someone under 21 outside a legal exception. Even if the teens brought their own beer, police will want to know who supplied it. What you knew about others serving alcohol may also affect a separate claim if someone gets hurt.
Who supplied the alcohol?
Texas calls buying or giving alcohol to a minor “furnishing alcohol.” This offense is usually a Class A misdemeanor, which carries possible jail time and a fine. Police look for evidence that you bought the drinks or handed them to a teen.
Say a guest arrives with a cooler. You do not know it contains beer until later that evening. Texts between guests might show who brought it, while their accounts help explain whether you served anyone.
An injury raises a different issue. If you are at least 21 and knowingly let someone supply alcohol to a guest under 18 on property you own or rent, you may face a civil claim if that alcohol contributes to intoxication that causes harm. The rule excludes the guest’s parent and certain other adults. A civil claim seeks payment for harm, not criminal punishment.
Does another parent’s permission protect you?
A guest’s mother texts you to say her child has permission to drink. You might think that means you are free to offer the teen a beer. Texas has a narrower exception.
You may give alcohol to your own child under 21 if you are an adult parent and remain visibly present while your child has or drinks it. The exception also covers a minor’s adult guardian, spouse or adult with court-ordered custody. Another parent’s approval does not give you that authority.
You could supervise the party or collect car keys to keep guests safe. Those steps do not authorize you to serve alcohol to other people’s children.
What to review if police contact you
You may want to save texts showing who brought the drinks. Notes about when you first saw the alcohol could also help you recall what happened. These details offer context when you review the accusation and your legal options.
