How can I be charged with Furnishing when my roommates hosted the party?
Can You Be Charged with Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor in Pennsylvania Even if You Didn’t Buy the Alcohol or Host the Party? Yes, You Can.
Many people mistakenly believe that they cannot be charged with Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor in Pennsylvania if they didn’t personally host the party or purchase and supply the alcohol to underage attendees. Unfortunately, this assumption is incorrect — and can lead to serious legal consequences.
The Legal Definition of “Furnishing” Alcohol in Pennsylvania
Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.1, it is illegal to furnish alcohol to a minor. While most people interpret “furnish” to simply mean to give or supply alcohol, Pennsylvania law provides a broader definition.
According to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6310.6, furnish includes:
“To give, sell, offer for sale, or allow a minor to possess alcoholic beverages on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged.”
In plain terms, if you allow underage individuals to drink alcohol at your apartment, house, or other property that you control — even if you didn’t buy or hand them the alcohol — you could still be guilty of Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.
What if You Didn’t Host the Party? The Case of Commonwealth v. Lawson
A common defense is to claim that someone else hosted the party, such as a roommate, and therefore you shouldn’t be held responsible for what happened. However, Pennsylvania courts have rejected that argument.
In the case of Commonwealth v. Lawson, a Pennsylvania Superior Court decision, a Penn State student appealed his Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor conviction, claiming he could not be held accountable because:
He did not have complete legal control over the apartment (he shared it with roommates).
He couldn’t force his roommates to stop the party where underage drinking occurred.
The Superior Court rejected this defense. The Court emphasized that:
✅ The student actively participated in the party.
✅ He drank alcohol with guests, including underage individuals.
✅ His actions demonstrated consent to the underage drinking on the premises.
Because he condoned and allowed the underage drinking in a place he lived and partially controlled, his conviction was upheld.
Key Takeaways for College Students and Young Adults
You don’t need to buy the alcohol to be charged with Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.
You don’t need to be the sole host or owner of the property to be legally responsible.
Simply allowing underage drinking on property you control — and participating in the party — is enough for criminal charges.
A conviction under § 6310.1 can result in fines, criminal record, and even jail time.
Facing a Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor Charge? Get Legal Help.
If you’ve been charged with Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor in Pennsylvania, the consequences can be severe. It’s critical to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands these complex laws and can help protect your rights.
For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.