Beer at Grad Party?

[pixiewings71]

Are you sure that the park allows alcohol? Most public parks do not, or require a permit.

OP already said they would have to pay for the permit.

OP we had wine at DD13's early 14th bday party. But all the adults who came were family and the kids were always separate from the kids. LOL IE they were inside and the adults were all outside. There was no issue or worry of them getting into the wine because the open bottles were outside and we could see them from where we were. But we always have wine in the house, we drink it often. I currently have 1 full 12 bottle rack and about 12 more bottles in our cabinet. LOL We are very close to wine country so we drink a lot of good wine.

However, if we were having a party at the park we would not be providing wine, beer or any other type of alcohol. I don't think parks and booze mix personally and with a large party with 18 year olds I would not feel comfortable at all. I would worry that someone would sneak it and we would get into trouble for it. I think providing sodas, waters and maybe juices would be just fine.

 

[descovy]

One wrinkle... are you even allowed to have beer in a public park? Many of the cities/towns I've been in don't allow alcohol. So if in a park pavillion... moot point.

When I graduated high school, we had a party in the backyard. It was a tiny town (pop 500) and many of the folks who came were because they were friends of my own parents. More adults than teens. In fact, I couldn't hang with any of my classmates because they were at their own house parties! lol!

So in that instance, beer was appropriate. It wasn't a full on kegger. The adults were age 40-60 having a can or 2... not 22 looking to get plowed.

That said, as a parent now, I won't be hosting a party with alcohol, especially if more youths than adults are present.

 

[descovy]

There will be family, friends and many of DDs friends as well coming and going.

In that case, NO, no alcohol...

 

[JB2K]

Regardless of who is in attendance, the main person (honoree) is under 21, as would be many of her friends.

That said, there's no need to serve adult beverages at a High School graduation party, and if those sniffing-around for free beer don't like it -- they can go to a bar, or something AFTER the grad party...

 

[sk!mom]

Totally not appropriate. Alcohol doesn't belong where the guest of honor can't partake. QUOTE]

This is my rule of thumb, also.

 

[Justsyd2]

Next year DD will be graduating from high school and wants to have her grad party at a nearby park pavilion. I tend to not want to serve beer so we don't need to be concerned with anyone underage trying to access it. Please let me know if you think beer should be available for those over 21 at grad parties or if it shouldn't even be on the premesis.

I voted no because if you serve the beer and/or alcohol you could be held responsible for everyone at the party. Do you want to take that chance? I certainly wouldn't!

 

[MELSMICE]

We will be having alcohol at our twin DD's grad party. We had it at our oldest DD's grad party also.

We also hired someone to tend bar to make sure that no one under age had access to alcohol. We rented a bar with our party tent rental & the bartender was there at all times. If they had to leave to use the restroom or something then either DH or myself stood behind the bar.

It worked well for us.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

no way in heck. You are just asking for trouble. If the one being celebrated cannot enjoy it, why have it.

 

[Poohbear5]

We don't have it at our gatherings because we feel it's important to set an example for the young adults that a good time can be had without it.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Whether or not you have beer at other parties, I absolutly would NOT have it at a high school graduation. That is just asking for trouble. Many parents in our circle of friends would not allow their child to attend a party with beer. Your libility would be so high if (or when) a few kids grab a few cans and slip out back. Lots of soda or sports drinks are even a few enrgy drinks if they are into that, but no beer.

 

[David 1980]

NO WAY! God forbid a teenager gets drunk and then drives guess who is liable if something were to happen. I say soda and water and if they do not like that then stay home. I have read to many stories of celebrations going bad due to a few beers.

 

[powellrj]

I went round and round with my mom on this when my DS graduated last year. Because all of our other family members had served beer and wine, my mom wanted us to serve it too. We don't even drink, so I didn't really see the need. We got around the issue by have the open house at our church which doesn't allow alcohol. She was convinced nobody would come, but she was wrong and we had a huge crowd.

 

[Elvistelth]

That's like a day without sunshine.

 

[PrincessBelle09]

I think that's inappropriate to serve alcohol at a party specifically to celebrate an achievement of someone who is under 21, especially when the mentioned risks are considered.

 

[clh2]

Nope - there will be no beer or wine or other alcohol at the party when my DD graduates from high school. Not happening. I wouldn't even feel the least bit guilty - especially since you would not normally serve alcohol.

I agree with most of the PP's - this party is about the kids and their high school achievements. Around here - most kids "party hop" so I certinaly wouldn't want to keep track of whose coming and going and in what inebriated state.

I also will add - i've been to about 5 or 6 HS graduation parties, and noone served alcohol. Not one. One of the families is generally really big on "choice of beverages" at their parties, but not the HS grad parties. There are a ton of options - lemonade, water, soda, coffee etc.

 

[ssawka]

OP already said they would have to pay for the permit.

Oops! Sorry, didn't read through the entire thread before posting.

 

[pezheadmeg]

I'm one of your uncertains. I come from a family where there is always beer, wine, and hard liquor out. As a matter of fact, my second fridge is cleaned out because I'm making 100+ Jell-O shots for July 4th, and I need to chiill them.

However, if you usually don't serve beer/wine/booze, I wouldn't do it just for one graduation party. If it's not your norm, it's not the time to start.

When my aunt did my cousin's grad party 2 years ago all she put out was beer and wine 2 bottles at a time, which an adult monitored. I'm the lush who rarely drinks beer or wine. Of course half an hour before I'm supposed to drive home, well past my I won't drink anymore point I'm told I would've been more than welcome to fix myself a Rum and Coke. As long as I did it in the house--not near the tent with the 100 18 year-olds.

 

[MrsPete]

Totally not appropriate. Alcohol doesn't belong where the guest of honor can't partake.

That's a sensible way to put it.

 

[disneychrista]

IMO....since the party is FOR your daughter, who will be 17/18 and not able to drink, then no I would not have beer, wine or other alcoholic drinks.

 

[tlh0726]

Did not read all of the posts so if already mentioned sorry.

My question is do they even allow beer at the park pavillion??

Personally I would not want the responsibility for supplying the beer and then something happening to someone after the party. I would make sure the pavillion allowed alcohol and then state in the invite BYOB for those over the age of 21