If and when you choose to host a party, MSU and the City of East Lansing ask that you do so responsibly, look out for your fellow Spartans, and be familiar with resources available to you, which include:

PARTY RISKS

The most common party offenses include:

  • Providing alcohol to a minor

  • Noise violations

  • Minor in possession of alcohol

  • Selling alcohol without a license, which includes cups

  • Littering

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Urinating in public

  • Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated

Invite the City of East Lansing Police by:

  • Being belligerent and noisy

  • Letting underage people drink

  • Allowing people to leave with open containers

  • Having so many people over that your guests are urinating in neighbors’ yards, hanging out in the street or parking illegally

Open Container Violations

In the state of Michigan, it is illegal to have opened containers of alcohol on public property (i.e. a solo cup with alcohol on a city sidewalk or a seltzer can open while walking to a different party). This includes individuals over the age of 21. Violating Open Container Law can be a misdemeanor, including up to $500 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Party Litter

After a bash, pick up your trash! A party litter ordinance allows Parking & Code Enforcement (PACE) officers to issue a ticket without issuing a prior warning if it is clear the litter was from the occupants/guests of the property and the offense is deemed serious.

A tiered fine system for multiple party litter offenses on a property allows PACE officers to fine $150 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, $300 for a third offense and $500 for a fourth offense.

Warnings will still be issued for minor offenses, while the no-warning ticket will be reserved for addressing egregious offenses, as well as properties where repeated offenses occur. To avoid a ticket for litter, simply clean up trash on your property after a party.

Noise and Enhanced Noise

When hosting a party, be considerate of your neighbors. Remember that noise travels and can be a disturbance, especially late at night. How much noise is too much?  If a neighbor can stand on the edge of their property line and hear noise from your house, it is too loud.

The responding police offer has the discretion to decide if the noise coming from your property is unreasonable. A noise violation may constitute a misdemeanor offense and a fine ranges from $250 - $1000+.