PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Prosecutors will investigate whether a Bristol father can be charged with violating a new law designed to curb underaged drinking, Attorney General Patrick Lynch said.

The year-old social host law allows police to charge adults who buy alcohol for minors or allow underaged drinking parties in their homes.

Bristol police will have to re-interview the teens who attended the Nov. 11 party to determine who purchased the alcohol and whether the father was aware of the party, Lynch said.

The father, whose name was not released, has not been charged with any crimes and has cooperated with police, authorities said. Police arrested a 17-year-old girl who allegedly held the party and a 21-year-old man charged with buying alcohol for minors.

Bristol police arrived at the home after neighbors complained about noise and found beer and vodka. The father claimed he was sleeping and did not realize several dozen teenagers were partying downstairs, according to police reports.

The man looked like he had been sleeping, said Police Chief Russell Serpa, citing reports from officers at the scene.

But Lynch, the state’s chief prosecutor, called the father’s claim “ludicrous.”

“It was a loud party,” he said. “Neighbors were concerned.”

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/

AP-ES-11-27-07 0907EST