Hosting a Gathering? 8 Ways to Do it Responsibly

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Now that warmer weather is here to stay (for a while anyway) and the spring term will soon be wrapping up, graduations are happening, and lots of you are are eager to celebrate!

We are all for celebrations and fun, but urge our tenants to be responsible to avoid unnecessary damage,  fines, or worse-injury and jail time. Remember that you can be held responsible for the actions of your guests and an out of control party can cost you hundreds of dollars in both criminal and civil fines.

Here are some tips on how to host a gathering without risking fines or even jail time.

1. Know and respect local laws and ordinances.

Here are just some common offenses listed by the Eugene Police Department you need to be aware of:

Allowing Alcohol Consumption by Minors: No person who exercises control of private real property shall knowingly allow a minor to drink alcohol on the property or remain on the property after consuming. Offense: Violation Fine: Up to $1,000

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor: No one shall sell, give, or otherwise make available any
alcoholic liquor to a person under the age of 21 years. Offense: Class A Misd. Fine: Up to $6,250 (jailable)

Disorderly Conduct: With intent to cause public inconvenience or annoyance or recklessly creating a risk thereof: a) Engages in fighting or violent behavior; b) Makes unreasonable noise; c) Disturbs any lawful assembly; d) Obstructs any vehicular or pedestrian traffic; e) Refuses to disperse when ordered to do so; f) Initiates or circulates a report known to be false regarding fire, crime or other emergency; g) Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition. Offense: Crime Fine: Up to $1,000 (jailable)

Open Container/ Consumption in Public: Consumption of alcoholic liquor or possession of an open alcoholic beverage container is prohibited in all public places and all private property extended to the public for use. Offense: Crime Fine: Up to $500 (jailable)

Prohibited Noise: Intentionally or recklessly creating or continuing any noise disturbance (meaning any sound which injures or endangers the safety or health of a human, or which annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities). Operating or permitting the use or operation of any device designed for sound production between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that is plainly audible within another dwelling; the same applies on public property or right-of-ways if it is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more.

2. Be considerate to your neighbors.

If you are hosting a gathering, the most responsible thing you can do is to talk to your neighbors before you have your party. Tell them your plans, and give them a telephone number and the name of the person to contact if there is a problem (and be responsive to their calls!).

3. Keep it small.

Your house or apartment is designed to accommodate a certain number of people. Your gathering
should not exceed the capacity of your home. Remember,more guests equals more responsibility. “Come one, come all” parties usually result in police contact. Don’t let random people who are walking around looking for a party into your house.

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4. Be cooperative with any neighbor, police, or other concerned person who might come by to discuss a problem.

5. End your party at a reasonable time.

6. Clean up after your party.

7. Drink Responsibly.

Very very important!  As the party host, you are liable for your guests.  If you choose to serve alcohol, ensure that you only serve to persons 21 years of age or older or you could risk serious consequences. Ensure people don’t drive under the influence (a person riding a bicycle under the influence also may be arrested for DUII). Arrange for transportation by a designated driver before anyone drinks. Make sure arrangements are understood by everyone.

8. In case of emergency, have these numbers handy:

Eugene Police Department
9-1-1 Emergencies/crimes in progress
682-5111 Non-emergency Police
682-5137 Crime prevention
682-8350 13th & Alder police station

University Campus/DPS
346-5444 Dept. of Public Safety
346-0653 Assault Prevention Shuttle
346-3216 Office of Student Life

Article Sources

Eugene Police Department

University of Oregon: “Throwing a Party?”

photo credit: missmareck via photopin cc

photo credit: marsmet553 via photopin cc