County takes first step toward underage drinking ordinance

The Cook County Board has moved ahead for further consideration, adoption of a new Social Host Ordinance. The measure would more closely define responsibility when underage drinking occurs in private residences. Commissioner Sue Hakes:

“The Social Host Ordinance is something that I think 20 counties and several cities – maybe 50 or 70 cities – have already adopted throughout the state. Sheriff Mark Falk and County Attorney Tim Scannell are recommending we consider this and adopt one in Cook County and the City of Grand Marais as well. Basically what it does is makes it unlawful for somebody or anybody to provide an environment where underage drinking can occur regardless of who provides the alcohol. If somebody is found guilty of that it would be a misdemeanor offence.”

For years, Minnesota has had laws that make it illegal for a person over age 21 to provide alcohol to anyone under 21. However the courts have ruled that adults who know alcohol will be consumed at a party and don’t stop it or take it away are not breaking the law because they didn’t actually provide alcohol to underage drinkers. The Social Host Ordinance would change that.

The ordinance would make it unlawful to provide an environment where underage drinking takes place. In addition, among other details, a family member of the property owner or tenant of a rented property who is at the party, would be considered a host, regardless of age.

“If this does pass there’ll be a fairly significant public education component so that people will know what the law means and what it doesn’t mean and how to work together to really prevent underage drinking and all the negative consequences that come along with it.

The ordinance was also presented to the City of Grand Marais. The misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.