HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Social Host Ordinance Submitted by Councilmember Caova .a
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
City Council Interoffice Communication
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Joe Carchio, City Council Member
Date: December 10, 2012
Subject: CITY COUNCIL ITEM FOR DECEMBER'% 2012, CITY COUNCIL
MEETING — SOCIAL LOST ORDINANCE
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Several California cities have adopted a Social Host Ordinance to facilitate the
enforcement of laws prohibiting the service and consumption by minors at certain
gatherings, as well as to deter the provision of alcoholic beverages to minors, service,
and the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, and to promote the reduction of
underage drinking.
Twenty-eight states have Social Host laws. California has adopted a state law imposing
civil liability for social hosting but there is no state law to permit the fining of the
responsible persons for hosting a social event wherein minors are in possession of or
consuming alcohol.
There are provisions in state law that prohibits contributing to the delinquency of a minor
but it is very broad. A more specific local regulation would provide additional tools to
the Police Department to further ensure that the responsible person over 21 years of
age does not permit underage drinking.
Direct City Attorney to draft a Social Host Ordinance similar to the cities of Irvine and
Laguna Beach.
xc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Bob Hall, Deputy City Manager
Joan Flynn, City Clerk
Jennifer McGrath, City Attorney
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