Studies indicate that most underage drinking takes place in private settings such as home parties. The growing problem of underage and binge drinking among youth in home parties was reflected in surveys and a noticeable increase in calls to law enforcement for alcohol-related disturbances. Local research conducted by Ventura County Limits showed:

• Binge drinking among Ventura County youth starts early.
• Private homes were the settings most frequently identified as the "place of last drink."
• Young people reported impaired driving and riding with drunken drivers.
• Home parties consistently appeared as settings of high risk to youth.

The consistent identification of the high-risk home party environment led to the community collaboration of prevention professionals, law enforcement, municipalities and other stakeholders to support enactment of Social Host Laws.