Students take risks for a night of fun

By:Katie Myhaluk

Beer bottles randomly lay strewn across table tops and floors. The empty Texas Mickies of vodka and rum casually lean up against the several kegs, looking beat up, in the corner. Bottle caps, McDonald’s wrappers, and empty whipped cream bottles are poking out from beneath the random people passed out on the couch. Half eaten boxes of cereal and a pot of hardened Kraft Dinner sits lonesome on the kitchen counter. The garbage is overflowing with people’s attempt to throw out their shiny red beer cups.

Students are willing to have fun, but are they willing to pay the price for it? Party throwers can face a $300 fine for serving liquor without a license.

This is a sight that many students may be familiar with, but many new party throwers and goers may not realize the risks they are taking.
College parties vary across campuses. At some schools fraternity houses throw the biggest parties; at other schools sports teams run the party scene. There are also the random houses that roll a keg in and invite everyone they know to their house. Each year the off-campus neighbourhoods of Humber North Campus – Autumn Glen, Woodsview, Shady Glen, and Alicewood just to name a few – play host to many parties.

On the legal side, party throwers can be victim to various fines.

“Too many people causing a fire hazard, underage drinking, and serving liquor without a license. People can face jail time; if someone dies the host is held responsible,” says Michael Kopinak, Director of Student Success and Engagement at Humber College.

When planning a house party, many students don’t realize how careful they have to be. A common myth among young adults is the noise complaint.

Many students believe noise complaints can only occur after 11 p.m., and consequently that they can only receive tickets after that time. But noise complaints can be placed at any time of the day, and can result in a fine.

Serving liquor without a license is also against the law, and students can face hefty tickets, of $300 or more. This includes the four kegs you have in an ice bath for your party this weekend.

“I was at an after-party for a team championship. The party was spoiled by the Toronto police who came in unthreatened without knocking,” says Paul Harding, first-year Fitness and Health Promotions at Humber College.

Jordanna Langill, second year Fitness and Health Promotions, held the party in mid-November of last year.

“They didn’t knock, just came right in. The cop was holding the pepper spray behind his back and walked through the house spraying it without telling anybody.”

According to Section 8 of the Criminal Code of Canada, you have the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure. Police officers do not have the power to force their entry; they must have a warrant.

But if something happens and it’s out of your control, Kopinak says to “not hesitate in calling the police.” If parties begin to get too wild, party-goers and hosts should know when it’s time to get the police’s help.

Going to parties is a rite of passage for many, but social planners recommend that people also know their limits and trust their gut feeling.
Kopinak says don’t leave your drinks unattended, don’t drive, and use the buddy system.

“It’s not about taking fun away, but taking the risk away when hosting a party and going to one.”

Tags: drinking, frats, partys, police