Council crafts proposal; vote on underage drinking law expected
Feb. 16
A proposed social host ordinance that would solidify
prohibitions against providing alcohol to minors in Hollister is
expected to come before the City Council on Feb. 16.
Council crafts proposal; vote on underage drinking law expected Feb. 16
A proposed social host ordinance that would solidify prohibitions against providing alcohol to minors in Hollister is expected to come before the City Council on Feb. 16.
The council this week instructed the city attorney and staff to prepare an ordinance that would prohibit social gatherings “at any location not open to the public where one or more persons under the age of 21 are consuming alcoholic beverages.”
The ordinance, as proposed, would fine offenders $500 for a first violation, $750 for a second violation and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. By comparison, a similar ordinance in the city of Gilroy carries a $250 fine for the first violation, a $1,000 fine for the second violation and $2,000 fines for subsequent violations.
City staff also asked the council if it wanted to provide an exception for minors under 18 who consumed alcohol as long as they were supervised by their parents or guardians, and the council said no.
Based on staff recommendations that were approved by the council, violations of the ordinance would be misdemeanors punishable by jail time, a fine, or both, according to a staff report prepared by City Attorney Stephanie Atigh. The ordinance would apply to any social gathering not open to the public, including events at city facilities such as the Veterans Memorial Building.
“No warning is required before the city can enforce the ordinance and seek any of the remedies,” Atigh’s report said. In addition to the criminal penalties associated with a violation of the proposed social host ordinance, the city could also seek to recover costs associated with public safety responses.
Mayor Victor Gomez said he has worked on creating the ordinance with Atigh, the Hollister Police Department and the county behavioral health department.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to get done for about six months. It’s going to be an ordinance that’s well received by the community.”
