Should Marin's Adults be Held Liable for Underage Drinking, Drug Use? Social Host Ordinance Expansion in the Works

By Bay City News Service:

MARIN COUNT, CA- Marin County’s Board of Supervisors is poised to expand its social host ordinance by adding controlled substances to the existing prohibition of alcohol at parties attended by juveniles.

The Board introduced the amendment to the ordinance Tuesday, and a hearing and second reading is scheduled for Feb. 9.

If passed, adults will be held responsible for underage alcohol, prescription drug and marijuana use at private homes or rented facilities whether an adult is present or not.

Assistant County Counsel Jack Govi said the addition is necessary to address the increase in parties where youth exchange or ingest prescription pills. Drinking rates for youth and adults remain alarmingly high in Marin County, according to the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services which worked with the County Counsel’s office on the revisions to the social host ordinance.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office issued 48 citations for violations of the social host ordinance in the unincorporated area of the county since it was passed in 2006, according to the County Counsel’s office. Adults face a $750 civil fine, payment of law enforcement costs for responding to an unruly party incident and potential litigation from families injured in such an incident.

Municipalities in Marin County also have adopted the social host ordinance prohibiting alcohol at parties attended by juveniles.

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