In just the last few weeks, a number of college students have been arrested as a result of underage drinking at parties. Now authorities say they plan to crack down even harder through enforcement of the "Social Host Law." Innae Park explains.

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ALBANY COUNTY, N.Y. – “At a house, people are more apt to just let anybody, even if they’re underage, come in,” said College of St. Rose student Gabie Polce.

It’s that freedom that has Albany County law enforcement concerned. Local leaders are reminding the public of the "Social Host Law," which makes it illegal for hosts to allow underage drinking at private parties.

County District Attorney David Soares explained, “You're responsible for creating a festive environment, you're responsible for a good cheese dip, but you're also responsible for making sure people who are there are consuming alcohol and they are of age.”

At first glance, the Social Host law hones in on older adults giving alcohol to young teens. Just last year, Latham ophthalmologist Dr. George Stasier was arrested, accused of providing alcohol to a dozen youth and his case is still in court.

However, officials are concerned about another population.

“It’s especially in the Pine Hills neighborhood,” said Soares. “We have young college students and those folks are being prosecuted in Albany County courts.”

Troy Kelleher is also a student at the College of St. Rose.

Kelleher said, “If you're living in a college town, especially in this area alone, if you're going to go out and party, it's to be expected.”

Many of the local collegiate we spoke with say that even with enforcement, underage students will continue to be able to drink.

“Technically, they should be IDing, but no matter how much it gets talked about, that's still a huge part of the college scene,” said Polce. “I'm not really sure how much it would change if you really were like, ‘Oh, you need to ID the people in your houses.’”

Kelleher said, “If you're throwing a party, you're usually there to make money to pay your rent. So you're basically going to let anybody drink if they pay you money.”

However, it will certainly cost those who are caught. Violators could be fined up to $500 and spend up to 15 days behind bars. The consequences could be worse depending on how large the party. Parents can face the charge of endangering the welfare of a child.