Don't be a Party Pooper - Help Prevent Underage Drinking

the season for graduations, weddings, back-yard BBQs and summer time get togethers are already upon us.  Celebrations are exciting and fun but can get out of control quickly if you don’t have a plan in place to ensure underage drinking does not occur. Many adults are not aware of Santee’s Social Host Ordinance. Here are the basics:

Being the  host of a party comes with responsibilities. Hosts must take reasonable steps to PREVENT underage drinking, consumption of marijuana, and other controlled substances at the party.  Party hosts must control access to ALL alcoholic beverages on the premises including outside and can do so by frequently circulating the party, watching for items brought in by others. Party hosts are required to know the ages of guest in attendance, particularly those who are age 30 or younger. Lastly, it is necessary to always supervise the party!

Hosting underage drinking parties have steep consequences! The first offense is considered a misdemeanor, and violators can be billed for enforcement and first responder costs, with a possible fine up of $1,000. Subsequent violations include increased fines, the addition of community service and up to to 6 months in jail. 

Underage drinking also puts young people at risk of alcohol poisoning, fighting, unintended self-injury and committing or being a victim of unwanted crime or sexual assault. Youth who start drinking before the age of 21 are 4 times more likely to have alcohol related problems later in life. Underage drinking is harmful to brain development of young people and adversely affects learning.

The bottom line is it is against the law to serve alcohol to a minor OR provide an environment where youth consume alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substance. There is no price placed on life, so please host your parties responsibly.

For more information on Santee’s Social Host Ordinance, visit the City of Santee website, municipal codes, Title 9: Morals and Welfare, Consumption of Alcoholic Beverage by a Minor.

Santee Solutions Coalition is a community driven organization that empowers youth and adults to address the impact of alcohol and drugs in their community. For more information, please visit www.santeesolutions.org  Don’t forget to ’Like us’ on Facebook and ‘Follow us’ on Twitter.