Hosting social events

Keep in mind that when hosting a gathering, you take responsibility for any potential issues that might occur. Here are some tips for hosting a responsible party:

• Discuss party expectations with your roommates before you host a gathering. Things to consider include: date, timeframe, house rules, number of people, what you will provide guests (consider food), who will be the sober host, who will chat with the neighbors, etc.
• Notify neighbors in advance and provide them with the phone number of the sober host.
• Designate a sober host to control music volume, access to the party, outside disturbances, and to address any interactions with the neighbors or police. Behaviors of people coming and going (including parking issues) to the party are often most disruptive to neighbors, not the party itself. Make sure the sober host is monitoring the foot traffic to and from the party, and checking the backyard.
• Think before you post! Posting your get-together using social media can lead to out-of-control parties, unwanted guests, and their unwanted behaviors. Remember, as a party host you are responsible for what happens at and as a result of your party, including the actions of others.
• Keep the size reasonable so your party stays in line with the capacity of your residence and does not disturb your neighbors.
• Be proactive by asking for help. If you’re uncomfortable with the size of your party, people will not leave when asked, or if people are acting in a threatening manner, please do not hesitate to call the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414 and ask for assistance in breaking up your party before things get out of control.
• Be cooperative towards neighbors, police, and others who come to discuss issues. Don’t make the situation or citation worse. When police arrive, all guests need to leave.
• Clean up all trash resulting from your party and follow up with your neighbors the next day. Your neighbors may be more tolerant of your next party if they see that you care about how your party may have impacted the neighborhood.