Lancaster Social Host Ordinance
The Lancaster CA City Council has approved the Social Host Ordinance with the intent of going after individuals that host parties and events where underage drinking occurs. As part of the Antelope Valley Alcohol Prevention Coalition (AVAPC), TTC staff have worked with the Council since 2012 to get this passed.
Although it is a crime to purchase or provide alcoholic beverages to minors under 21 years of age, teens have historically found easy access at social gatherings under the supervision of one or more adults. Much too often, a parent or relative of legal drinking age makes booze available to minors, as we’ve written about in the past. The justifications by these suppliers range from wanting to keep their kids safe to just wanting to be the cool parent.
AVAPC has put a great deal of effort into getting this ordinance passed. Violations will result in a misdemeanor charge and a pretty hefty fine. It’s enough to make people think twice about playing bartender for adolescents. You can get the details about the ordinance and some facts about underage drinking at this article in The Antelope Valley Times.