Saint Paul, MN Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 3+ person gathering with alcohol
- Underage definition
- Under 21 years old
- Host duty
- Prevent underage possession/consumption or face charges
- Presence not required
- Host liable even if absent
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine/90 days
- Adopted
- C.F. No. 09-983, Oct. 14, 2009
Summary
Saint Paul holds hosts criminally responsible for gatherings where alcohol reaches minors. Under the Social Host Ordinance, it's a misdemeanor to host or allow an event of three or more people at any residence or property where alcohol is present if the host knows, or reasonably should know, that an underage person is possessing or consuming it and fails to stop them.
(a) Prohibited acts. It is unlawful for any person(s) to host or allow an event or gathering at any residence, premises, or on any other public property or private property where alcohol or alcoholic beverages are present when the person knows or reasonably should know that: alcohol or an alcoholic beverage is being possessed or consumed by an underage person; and the person failed to prevent such possession or consumption by an underage person. (b) It is a violation of subsection 239.04(a) if the person intentionally aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires with another or otherwise procures another to commit the prohibited act. (c) A person who hosts or allows an event or gathering does not have to be present at the event or gathering to be criminally responsible for a violation of subsection 239.04(a). (d) Penalty. A violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter 239, the "Social Host Ordinance" (Sec. 01), targets adults and other hosts who let underage drinking happen on their watch. 03 defines an "event or gathering" broadly as "any group of three or more persons assembled or gathered together for a social occasion or other activity," and "host or allow" as acting "to aid, conduct, entertain, organize, supervise, control or permit" that gathering, reaching houses, apartments, hotel rooms, yards, and any other location whether owned, rented, or merely used. 04(d).
05 carves out exceptions for alcohol a parent has specifically authorized for their own child in the parent's household, religious observances, licensed liquor retailers and bottle-club permit holders regulated under Minn. 503, supervised law-enforcement activity, alcohol possessed lawfully in the course of employment, and landlords, mortgagees, colleges, universities, or hotel/motel operators who did not actually participate in hosting the gathering. The council adopted the chapter under its Minn. 05, Subd. F. No. 09-983, 10-14-09).
Violations & Fines
A Chapter 239 violation is a misdemeanor, carrying the Legislative Code's general penalty under Section 1.05: a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Liability attaches to the host or anyone who knowingly helps arrange the gathering, and a host can be charged even without being physically present when police find underage drinking at the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the host have to supply the alcohol to be charged?
Does the host need to be at the party to be liable?
Are parents allowed to give their own child alcohol at home?
What penalty does a social host face?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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