How to Throw a Party So the Police Aren't Called!

Being able to throw a party in your own house is one of the most exciting things about living on your own, but it is also one of the most risky. It is important to know how to throw a party to ensure that nothing goes wrong. It is also important to remember that the police do not mind you having a good time but they will intervene if your conduct is negatively affecting others.

Planning a Party

It is important to remember the 6 Ps when throwing a party: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

When planning a party make sure that all roommates are included in the planning process and that responsibility is shared equally. This will help prevent any problems that may arise from one roommate not knowing the rules or being upset that their needs had not been considered (eg: has to work in the morning).

It is also important to inform your neighbours of your intentions to have a party. When you are discussing your party with your neighbours you should talk about the following:

  • When the party is being held
  • How the party will affect your neighbour
    • What time do they need to get up the next morning?
    • Do they have children?
  • A phone number they can call to talk with you if they have any concerns
    • It is much better for your neighbour to contact you instead of the police
  • Inform them that you will take full responsibility for anything that happens as a result of the party.
    • You are legally responsible anyway but letting them know that you plan to take responsibility makes you look good.

If necessary, try to modify your plans to meet the needs of your neighbour.

Another thing that you should do before having a party is to hide or lock up your breakables and valuables. There is no reason to put your possessions at risk unnecessarily and having your breakable and valuable possessions out in a house full of people is not a smart risk to take.

Maintaining and Regaining Control

Having a party can be fun but it can become a disaster if you lose control. Losing control of your party can lead to property damage, complaints from neighbours, violence and visits from the police.

  • Maintaining Control

Here some tips for maintaining control of your party:

    • Keep the number of guests to a reasonable amount.
      • Do not have an open house party
      • Limit the number of guests that your friends can bring
    • Never advertise your parties where everyone can see them (this means Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media!)
    • Keep the door closed to avoid party crashers
    • Have one member of your household be non-drinking
      • It is very helpful to have someone who can think clearly

  • Regaining Control

If the party does get out of control you can call the police to help remove guests and shut down the party. Police will not, however, remove people if you are not shutting down the party.

The Fredericton Police Force can be reached at: (506)-460-2300 or if it is an emergency call 911.

Repercussions

If you fail to follow the rules and your party does get out of hand, you can get into some fairly serious trouble. You can be held liable for damage to your property or the property of others or face fines for by-law violations. Canadian courts have also ruled that a party host can be held liable for their guests in both criminal and civil matters.

Noise Complaints

Noise complaints are by far the most common reason the police are called to intervene in a situation. Noise disturbances are prohibited under By-Law S-13 and carry a minimum fine of $250. If you are a repeat offender, the police can contact your landlord directly, which could lead to eviction.

Here is some tips to avoid noise complaints.

  • Close your windows
  • Give your neighbours a contact number so that they can call you instead of the police
  • Try to keep your noisy activities to rooms that do not share a wall with your neighbours
  • Keep the party indoors
  • Don't be too loud

Liability for Guests

As the host of the party you can be held responsible for the bad behaviour of your guests. Pretty much any improper conduct that is a result of your party can result in civil or criminal liability for you as the host. Here are a couple of examples:

Property Damage: If you have a party and the next morning there is damage to your neighbours' property, that was obviously the doing of some of your guests, you can be held liable for that damage.

Drinking and Driving: If you are the host of a party and you know that one of your guests is impaired, you have a legal obligation to prevent them from driving. If you fail to meet this obligation you can be held partially responsible for their actions, both civilly and criminally.

Who You Are Affecting

Even if it was not for the possible criminal and civil liability, it is important to be aware of the negative impact that your actions could have on others. The neighbourhoods around the university are mixed neighbourhoods that contain people from all walks of life. There are many elderly people, people with small kids, and people who work early in the morning, who live in your neighbourhood and partying until 4am could cause them major distress.

Tips on Being a Responsible Host

  • Ensure that alcohol is not the main focus of the gathering
  • Have alternatives to drinking to slow down the pace, such as games (Apples to Apples, Things in a Box, Cards Against Humanity, etc.), dancing, or themed based activities (Luau, ABC, Ugly Sweater Party, Murder Mystery, etc.)
  • Monitor alcohol consumption to make sure no one is going overboard
  • Have food and non-alcoholic beverages available
  • Make sure everyone has a safe ride home, do not let your guest drink and drive