Law adding penalties for providers of alcohol to take effect in
April
The Hollister City Council this week approved the first reading
of a social host ordinance that establishes monetary fines for
anyone who provides alcohol to people under age 21.
The ordinance is expected to be formally approved at the
council’s March 1 meeting. It will become law 30 days after its
final approval.
Law adding penalties for providers of alcohol to take effect in April
The Hollister City Council this week approved the first reading of a social host ordinance that establishes monetary fines for anyone who provides alcohol to people under age 21.
The ordinance is expected to be formally approved at the council’s March 1 meeting. It will become law 30 days after its final approval.
Mayor Victor Gomez, who helped shepherd the law from idea to ordinance, said he plans to work with local health officials to provide workshops related to underage drinking.
“We want to help people understand the impact that alcohol has on youth and the community,” he said. “I hope now that there will be a change. According to research from other jurisdictions that have social host ordinances, people are more aware and are being a little more cautious when having a party when minors are involved.”
The new ordinance would fine offenders $500 for a first violation, $750 for a second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violations.
By comparison, a similar ordinance in Gilroy carries a $250 fine for the first violation, a $1,000 fine for the second violation and a $2,000 fine for subsequent violations.
The ordinance prohibits social gatherings “at any location not open to the public where one or more persons under the age of 21 are consuming alcoholic beverages.”
Violations would be misdemeanors punishable by jail time, a fine, or both.
Law enforcement officials can also seek to recover costs associated with public safety responses related to the social host ordinance.
“I don’t think anybody here is hoping to make any kind of profit,” Gomez said. “I want this as a reinforcement that we don’t condone this type of behavior from adults contributing to the delinquency of minors. If anything, this will help the city recoup costs in going out to parties and it’ll also give the police department leverage when working with property owners who are serving to minors. It’s another tool in the tool box.”
Renee Hankla, San Benito County’s substance abuse program manager, said the Behavioral Health Department frequently works with schools to educate and prevent students from using alcohol and drugs.
She said the social host ordinance was first broached by her department when it launched the “Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol” coalition in July. One of the key goals of the program is to change attitudes and perceptions about teen drinking, as well as limiting access to alcohol. Hankla said the new ordinance will add to the outreach already being done locally.
“We run Friday Night Live programs in the schools and also work with small groups at the high school to target youth that may be considered high-risk,” she said. “We also do other activities such as service learning, community service and adventure activities.”
