Responsible Host Information

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The Boulder Police Department, in cooperation with CU-Boulder Off-Campus Student Services, offers tips on how to have a safe and responsible party off campus.  Officers who break up gatherings of students are often told by the students that they would not have intentionally engaged in illegal behavior, if they had just known the rules and laws. 

If you are hosting a party, you are responsible for what happens during the event.  As the party host, you should be aware of your legal liability when throwing a party.  If you are a CU student, you should also be aware of the university code of conduct and potential university sanctions if you violate that code. 

The top five ways to have a smart party include:

1. Keep the noise to a minimum - many people outside talking or music from a stereo can often get the police called to your party.
2. Listen to police instead of challenging them - Don't aggravate what could just be a warning.  Refusing to come to the door or being otherwise uncooperative can get you into unnecessary trouble.
3. Keep your party to a reasonable size - Make sure your residence can hold the people you have invited.  People spilling over into the neighbor's property is a sure way to get the police called to your party.
4. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning.  Call 911 immediately if someone needs help. - Someone's need for medical attention should also come before your concerns over about getting a ticket.
5. Clean up any mess you or your guests make - You wouldn't appreciate your neighbor's trash on your lawn, either. 

If your party is getting out of control, or you would like assistance getting uninvited people out of your home, contact the police.  Officers would rather see a homeowner take that proactive step to call police before violations occur than get the call from neighbors to shut down the party.    

City ordinances related to parties

Last Updated on Friday, 13 July 2012 09:16