Something scary is happening this Halloween!

Are you are planning to host a Halloween party this weekend? In addition to spooky costumes there are scarier things to consider. Many parents believe that serving alcohol to teenagers at a house party may not seem like a big deal, but there are dangers and penalties that adults can face for providing alcohol to underage youth.

In San Diego County, from 2006 to 2011, 144 minors age 20 and younger died with alcohol in their system – an average of 28 per year, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

On Tuesday, October 28th, Youth Advocates of San Diego (South Bay & East County Youth for Change members) raised awareness of the Social Host Law by handing informational cards to parents at the Westfield Plaza Bonita mall, while in costume.

They reminded parents that similar to bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, hosts also have a responsibility to keep their guests safe, especially if minors are in attendance.

Most people understand what the implications for serving alcohol to minors are, yet a survey of young people shows that the most common sources of alcohol are from their own home or from persons over the age of 21 who purchase alcohol for them.

A recent study – published by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, Providing Alcohol for Underage Youth: What Messages Should We Be Sending Parents?– disproves the common misconception that adults can keep kids safe by hosting underage drinking parties.

“Adolescents who attend parties where parents supply alcohol are at increased risk for heavy episodic drinking, alcohol-related problems, and drinking and driving,” according to researchers.

What is a Social Host?

A “Social Host” is anyone who knowingly hosts underage drinking parties on property that they own, lease or otherwise control. Social Host Ordinance assigns responsibility to those who knew or should have known a drinking party was occurring on their property.

Social Host Ordinances (SHOs) in San Diego county impose civil penalties (fines) and provide police with a tool for addressing underage drinking in home party settings, and deter those who may host a loud or unruly party. The adult who owns or rents the property is responsible, no matter who provides the alcohol. The fine is $1,000.

While Social Host laws enjoy broad community support among those who are aware of the law, according to the 2014 Community Survey, only a third of the residents who responded in the South Bay have ever heard of Social Host Ordinances.

MESSAGE TO ADULTS:

Alcohol for teens? Don’t even think about it! It’s simple. Don’t allow minors to drink alcohol.

· Control Access – keep alcohol away from minors at your party

· Control Quantity – Don’t buy so much you loose track of who has what

· Verify Age – You have a responsibility to know how old everyone is at your party

· Supervise –You MUST supervise the activities of minors in attendance and ensure they’re NOT drinking

The legal age for drinking alcohol in California is 21. Providing alcoholic beverages to anyone younger is prohibited. Penalties include:

· Misdemeanor charges, which carry a fine of $1,000 and/or six months in jail.

· The responsible party/person may be mandated to pay all costs associated with law enforcement’s visit to their home or premises.

· More serious penalties will apply if a minor is injured or injures someone else as a result of this alcohol consumption.

· Minors’ driver licenses may be suspended, revoked.