Alert Issued About Rise In Underage Drinking Parties In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Westport police say they have responded to an increase in large gatherings of youths where alcohol and other substances were present, raising concerns about safety and legal risks for both teens and adults.

Since September, officers have responded to seven large youth parties involving more than 100 attendees, according to the Westport Police Department. One gathering was estimated to have drawn several hundred teenagers, including middle school students. Police said that after some parties were shut down, groups of teens walked in dark conditions to other locations, including private homes and local businesses.

Several youths were hospitalized for severe alcohol intoxication, police said, and arrests were made on charges including assault and violations of Connecticut’s social host law.

"This is a larger problem than just a year ago," said Capt. Jillian Cabana of the Westport Police Department. "Social media like Snapchat can quickly turn a small gathering into a large, unmanageable event. We encourage residents to call us for assistance when a situation is beyond their control."

Police officials outlined a range of risks associated with large, unsupervised gatherings, including impaired driving, alcohol poisoning, assaults, injuries from walking in traffic at night, and property damage.

Kevin Godburn, director of Westport Youth Services, said parents and caregivers should discuss decision-making and safety planning with children at an early age. He also emphasized the importance of having an exit plan in place for risky situations.

Adults may also face legal consequences under Connecticut’s social host law, which holds property owners responsible if minors consume alcohol or cannabis on their premises, even if the adults are unaware. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, potential jail sentences of up to one year, and fines of up to $2,000 per youth involved, according to police.

Margaret Watt, prevention director at Positive Directions, said research shows early substance use can affect adolescent brain development.

"It’s not just about following the law," Watt said. "Research shows that early substance use can damage teens’ brain development and increase the risk of mental illness and addiction."

The Westport Prevention Coalition, working with local police, said it offers free resources to parents, including educational materials, lockable storage bags for prescription drugs and marijuana, and tools designed to limit access to alcohol in the home.

For more information, please contact Margaret at mwatt@positivedirections.org or Kevin at kgodburn@westportct.gov.

The statement was issued in partnership with Westport town officials, public school leaders, police, human services, health officials and prevention organizations:

Kevin Christie, Westport First Selectman

Tom Scarice, Superintendent, Westport Public Schools

David Farrell, Chief of Police

Elaine Daignault, LPC, Director, Westport Human Services

Kevin Godburn, Program Director, Westport Youth/Human Services

Luci Bango, MPH, RS, REHS, Director of Health, Aspetuck Health District

Margaret Watt, Prevention Director, Positive Directions - The Center for Prevention & Counseling