Odessa, TX Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Odessa Code § 8-1-27
- Fine range
- $250 to $2,000 per violation
- Covered locations
- Homes, hotel rooms, party buses, rented halls
- Affirmative defense
- Trespassing or unauthorized use of property
- Who is liable
- Whoever controls or pays for the space
Summary
Odessa's social host accountability ordinance makes anyone who hosts, permits, or allows a gathering where underage drinking occurs criminally liable, even in a rented hotel room, apartment common room, or party bus.
(c) Prohibition of gatherings involving underage drinking. (1) No person shall host, permit, or suffer a gathering involving underage drinking at a location under his or her control, including but not limited to the person's residence, other private property, place, premises, or public place. ... (e) Violation(s); penalties. (1) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) but not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).
Full Breakdown
Section 8-1-27 of the Odessa Code of Ordinances bans hosting, permitting, or suffering a gathering involving underage drinking at any location a person controls: a residence, hotel or motel room, assembly hall, apartment recreation room, vacant lot, or a rented party bus or limousine. Anyone who paid for the rental of a space where underage drinking takes place is liable too, whether or not they attended. It is an affirmative defense if the gathering resulted from criminal trespass or unauthorized use of the property. A conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $2,000, separate from any state alcohol charges against the minors involved.
Violations & Fines
Violating the social host ordinance is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of $250 to $2,000 per offense, separate from any state charges against minors for possession or consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be charged if I didn't know minors were drinking at my party?
Does the ordinance apply to rented venues like hotel rooms or party buses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Odessa
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Odessa to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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