Summer is here and many people will take advantage of the sunny weather by hosting parties, firing up the BBQ grill, swimming, and boating. Summer can be lots of fun, but it’s important to take a few precautionary steps to limit seasonal risks, especially if alcohol is involved.
In a national survey, more than 43% of respondents, representing 98.6 million households, said they plan to host a party or any kind of social gathering this summer.
It can feel awkward to ask your summer party guests to limit their alcohol consumption; however, protecting your family and your guests is more important than a potentially uncomfortable exchange. If you host a party and your over-served guest drives away and gets in an accident, you can be held responsible. More importantly, if you or your teen hosts a party and underage drinking is involved, you would also be in violation of the Social Host Ordinance (SHO).
San Rafael’s Social Host Ordinance (SHO) holds adults responsible for underage alcohol use in their households whether the adults are present or not. This ordinance is similar to other SHO’s in the county, including the Marin County model ordinance.
In order to protect the health and safety of our youth, SRPD’s San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (SR ACT) is actively enforcing DUIs and the Social Host Ordinance. SR ACT has some helpful hints for throwing a fun party while protecting yourself, your family and your guests.
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Plan in Advance. Go over party plans with your teen. Encourage your teen to plan non-alcohol-related group activities or games.
Keep parties small. Ten to 15 teens for each adult. Make sure at least one adult is present at all times. Ask other parents to come over to help you if you need it.
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Set a guest list. The party should be for invited guests only. No "crashers" allowed. This will help avoid the "open party" situation.
Set starting and ending times for the party. Check local curfew laws to determine an ending time.
Set party expectations with your teens. Examples include:
· No tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
· No one can leave the party and then return.
· Lights are left on at all times.
· Certain rooms of the house are off-limits.
Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages available. Also, put your alcohol and any prescription or over-the-counter medicines in a locked cabinet.
When hosting a party for adult party-goers:
• It's best to avoid alcohol consumption when swimming. Always consume alcohol responsibly when swimming or entertaining at your pool.
• Limit your guest list to those you know.
• Provide food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
• Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.
• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
• Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
Source: A Parent's Guide to Teen Parties (Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics)
Drinking and driving is a serious problem all year long. The San Rafael Police Department, the San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team, and other Marin law enforcement agencies & community coalitions are dedicated to a variety of activities aimed at reducing the number of DUI & Social Host related tragedies. Be sure to check out these links for more information and resources to stay safe and informed:
The Healthy Novato Project
The Mill Valley Healthy Living Community Coalition
The Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth
The Ross Valley Coalition
The San Rafael Alcohol and Drug Coalition
The San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team
The Twin Cities Coalition for Healthy Youth
The Youth Leadership Institute
The West Marin Community Coalition
The San Rafael Social Host Ordinance
English - http://www.scribd.com/doc/180037937/FINAL-ACT-palm-card-pdf
Spanish - http://www.scribd.com/doc/189075792/ACT-Palm-Card-en-Espanol-in-Spanish
You can learn more about what we are doing and how you can get involved by contacting Kristen Law at the Marin County Prevention Hub.
The San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (ACT) has been created through a partnership with the San Rafael Police Department and the Marin County Department of Health & Human Services to reduce underage and excessive drinking in youth ages 12 – 25.
