So You're Having a Party...

This Guide to Safe and Responsible Parties is provided by the City of Lubbock and is available in a brochure form...Call Lubbock Police Non-Emergency for more info (806) 775-2865.

Keep the noise level down

  • Talk to your neighbors before the party, since the most common reason police come to a party is because of complaints from neighbors
  • Let your neighbors know when the party will end.  Parties during the week may bother people who live on different time schedules.
  • Keep the party indoors.  The police will come if the noise can be heard outside your home.

Keep the size reasonable

  • If the party spills outside, there is a good chance a complaint will be made.

Know your guests

  • Don't open your party to people passing by.  This is often how irresponsible people enter and cause problems.  Be aware of the age of your guests.

Keep alcohol inside

  • If the police have a reason to believe alcohol is being consumed or sold by minors, they can break up your party.

Helpful Hints to Keep Your Party Safe

  • Provide non-alcoholic beverages and food.  Not everyone wants to drink alcohol.
  • Don't let anyone Drink & Drive.
  • Don't let conflicts escalate into violence
  • Don't let a person leave with someone they don't know.

Remember: You can be held responsible for the actions of your guests.

Be Careful When You Drink.  If You Drink...

  • Go to the party with someone you know
  • Drink on a full stomach
  • Avoid drinks of an unknown mixture
  • Avoid letting others handle your drink
  • Do not leave your drinks unattended
  • Do not play drinking games
  • Never continue drinking if you have thrown up
  • Try alternating drinks with non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, water, juice, etc.
  • Do not drink to excess
  • Leave the party with someone you know
  • Make sure you have a safe ride home

Possible Fines for Party Hosts

  • Noise Violation
    • Up to $500 fine
  • Providing Alcohol or Making Alcohol Available to Minors
    • Arrested: Class A Charge
    • Up to $5,000 bond
    • Up to 1 year in jail
  • When the Police Show up
    • Go talk to them
    • Be courteous
    • If they tell you to do something (turn down music, end the party, etc) DO IT!

Possible Fines for Party-Goers

  • Minor in Possession, Minor Consuming Alcohol, or Misrepresentation of Age
    • Up to $500 fine
    • Suspended Driver's License
    • Community Service Hours
    • Alcohol Classes
  • Public Intoxication
    • Up to $500 fine
    • Alcohol Classes
    • Community Service
  • Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
    • Arrested: Class A Charge
    • Up to $5,000 bond
    • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Failure to Identify
    • Arrested: Class B Charge
    • Up to $4,000 bond
    • Up to 6 months in jail

Tell the truth about your name and date of birth...or you will be arrested for Failure to Identify!

  • Be Courteous:
    • Even though you are awake, your neighbors and friends may not want to be!
    • If you need assistance in breaking up the party, call the police.
    • Do not urinate in publice.
    • Place empty can, cups, or bottles in trash receptacles.
    • Be sure to legally park your vehicle.

Ok, that was the nice, sanitized, politically-correct version that municipalities such as Lubbock put out.  Well stay tuned for the Tech Terrace scared straight version coming soon.  It will warn of tragedies that have occurred in this neighborhood and nearby areas as a result of irresponsible partying.  It will include death, rape, assaults, arrests, accidents, lawsuits and more...just because of irresponsible partying.  Unfortunately, this is not a joke...stay tuned and in the meantime, Please Party Responsibly!!!