Being a Part of the Community Safely and Responsibly

Many of your neighbors may in fact be other Lehigh students, however, when you choose to live off-campus, you become a resident of Bethlehem. To continue pleasant interactions and to avoid issues with neighbors, it is important to be considerate when planning a social event at your residence. When planning a party, consider the following suggestions to avoid any consequences.

Planning your party:

• Only invite people that you know and an amount that you can manage safely.
• Inform neighbors and leave them with contact information to encourage them to let you know of any concerns or problems they have.
• Assure neighbors of your plans to set up the party and to clean after. They are more likely to understand if you are honest and open with them.

During party:

• Do not collect money
• Know your guests
• Have food and non-alcoholic beverages available to guests
• Do not allow guests to leave the house with a cup, empty or full
• Make sure there are people who are remaining sober throughout the party to monitor the party and deal with any problems that might occur
• Check the noise level of the party by walking the perimeter of your house every so often
• Do not let guest drive home after drinking and do not let guest all leave or arrive at once. It will draw attention to the party.

After Party:

• Clean up any trash that is left from the party both on your own property and that may have spread to any of your neighbors' property
• Thank your neighbors for cooperating

These suggestions for the planning and execution of your event are for the safety of yourselves, your guests, and the members of your community. It is important to remember that alcohol can only be possessed and consumed by those who are at least 21 years of age. Not providing alcohol to those under the legal drinking age is the responsibility of all members of the living unit. Failure to follow them is likely to result in police attention and citation.