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.
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.
For the full story, see the Pinnacle on Friday.
