Everett, MA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Section 13-5 of the Everett Revised Ordinances targets one specific kind of party in the City of Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts: the open house party, defined as a social gathering at a residence or other private property with minors present. Under subsection (c), any person who owns, rents or otherwise controls the premises is responsible when such a party takes place and any alcoholic beverage or drug is being unlawfully possessed, served to or consumed by persons under the age of twenty-one (21). Control means the authority and ability to regulate, direct, or dominate. Premises covers a home, yard, apartment, condominium, hotel or motel room, other dwelling unit, a hall or meeting room, and private functions held at public facilities within the City of Everett.

The Everett City Council wrote the section to protect public welfare, health and safety, and found that people who control the premises are more likely to ensure alcohol and drugs are neither served to nor consumed by under-21 guests.

Three exceptions are printed: possession of a drug under a current, valid prescription or as otherwise permitted by law; alcohol use occurring exclusively between a person under 21 and a parent or legal guardian; and legally recognized religious observances.

The fines run on a rolling twelve (12) month schedule. The Police Chief or City Solicitor counts backward from the most recent violation to see how many earlier violations happened at the premises or by the same person in that period, and a warning stays in effect for the premises until a full twelve months pass with no response to the premises. Appeals go by written request within 21 days to the Clerk Magistrate for the Malden District Court. Party noise itself is covered by Section 13-7, which sets a 50 dBA limit between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.