On September 17, 2020, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued its opinion in the matter of Estate of Narleski v. Nicholas Gomes. This case involved “social host” liability for a 19-year-old who invited others under the age of 21 to his residence, where alcohol was consumed. Our firm represents one of the parties in this case and attorney Mark Scirocco argued the appeal before the Supreme Court earlier this year.
In a unanimous 6-0 opinion written by Justice Albin, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of our client Amboy Food Liquor and News. According to the Court, those who are over the age of 18 but under the age of 21 can face civil liability if they host an underage drinking party in their home. The case will now return to the trial court in Middlesex County, where it will be presented to a jury.
Robert Scirocco and Mark Scirocco have co-authored an article in the New Jersey Law Journal on the implications of the Narleski decision. You can find the article here.