Adults in Massachusetts who serve alcoholic beverages to their guests can be held liable if one of the guests injures someone in a Massachusetts car accident, or any other kind of accident. For example, if you are hosting a party and have your friends over for a few drinks, you can be held responsible if one of those guests injures someone after the party.

This theory of liability is referred to in Massachusetts as “social host” liability. The person who ends up with the personal injuries can sue you directly for serving alcohol to the person that caused the accident. The social host can be lib able if he furnishes the booze, pays for it, or has control over the alcohol served.