Underage Drinking in Santa Barbara May Become Costlier for Grown-Ups
By Alison Gonzalez
Published on January 07, 2008
The Social Host Ordinance would make private individuals responsible for underage drinking that occurs on property they own, lease, or control. Under the law, a $1,000 fine will be charged to the host of a party with two or more minors who possess and consume alcohol. The host can be a minor, parent, guardian, or landlord. Adults will be charged whether or not they knew of the event or had the intention of letting the minors drink.
The party host will also be required to attend alcoholic training provision classes as well as pay for further police and emergency service involvement.
Because state law prohibits the possession and consumption of alcohol by minors in public settings but not on private property, the proposed ordinance would close the gap and help address the underage drinking problem in the city.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Teen Coalition, approximately 90 percent of teens believe the easiest place to acquire alcohol is in their own home.
The ordinance is currently being drafted, and will most likely be presented to the city council by the end of the month.
Similar laws are already in effect in Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura Counties.
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