Mercer Island passes state's first social host law

From the Mercer Island Patch:

Mercer Island City Council approved an ordinance Monday night intended to prevent underage drinking by fining local homeowners — with few exceptions — where teens 18 and younger were found drinking alcohol. The civil ordinance is the first of its kind in the state.

The council voted 6-1 to hold persons responsible by having to pay a fine for failing to prevent underage drinking at gatherings on property they own or otherwise control. The civil fines of $250 per infraction would be levied if police find evidence of drinking by minors 18 years old and under — even if the drinking occurred without their knowledge.

In some places, social host laws include criminal penalties.  NBC's Today Show recently covered a story about a California father who may face jail time for underage drinking that occurred in his home. 

Mercer Island considering social host ordinance

Thanks to Mercer Island's Communities That Care Coalition, the Mercer Island City Council is considering an ordinance that would fine adults who host underage drinking parties in their homes.  These types of laws, called social host ordinances, are an effective method for preventing underage drinking in communities where house parties are a problem.  As with most youth substance abuse prevention-related policies, they are especially effective in communities where multiple prevention activities are happening. 

For those of you who would like to be present for the second reading and vote on the proposed ordinance, the Mercer Island City Council will take up the matter again during its December 5, 2011 meeting.