Carson Initiative for Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention (CISAAP) Coalition Helps Pass Social Hosting Law Aimed At Reducing Underage Drinking In Carson, CA
CARSON, Calif., Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to Alcohol Justice, the Social Host Ordinance passed unanimously on June 18, 2013 by the Carson City Council is now a new law. It officially took effect as a City Municipal Code on August 2, 2013. By passing of the Social Host ordinance, the Caron City Council took another bold move to improve the public health and safety of its citizens by curbing underage drinking in the Carson community. "Adopting this law in the City of Carson is a triumph to keep my pledge and commitment in always protecting our young citizens of Carson," remarked Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina, the sponsor of the of the Social Host Ordinance. "They must not be victims of irresponsible citizens who expose them to early consumption of alcohol at an early stage of their lives. I am thankful to CISSAP for their leadership and efforts."
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO)
The Social Host Ordinance (SHO) prohibits the hosting, permitting, or allowing a party, gathering, or event where minors consume alcoholic beverages. A crucial point of the ordinance is that it holds accountable the responsible adult(s) who knowingly, or should have known, that an underage drinking party was occurring on property that they own, lease or otherwise control. The ordinance adds a new section to Article IV Public Peace, Chapter 2 Alcoholic Beverages, Sections 4211 to 4211.9 of the Carson Municipal Code. The law fines those who provide alcohol to youths during parties the amount of $250 for a first violation; $500 for a second violation within one (1) year from the date of the first violation; and $1000 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one (1) year from the date of the first violation.
The new Social Host law aims to reduce access to alcohol and drinking by minors in Carson. It sends a clear message that providing a venue for teenagers and youth to drink is not acceptable. Through assessment surveys, focus groups and interviews on underage alcohol access and drinking, conducted by AADAP, Inc., data shows that the number one contributing factor of underage drinking access in Carson is due to the social practice by adults who knowingly provide the alcohol to the youth during house parties, get-together, and special occasions. In addition, the assessment identifies that 8 out of 10 local teens said they can get alcohol at home; 7 out of 10 local teens said that they get their alcohol during parties, get-together, and special occasions; 9 out of 10 local teens said they have access to alcohol while adults are home; and 8 out of 10 Carson Teens said that adults allow the youth to drink as long as they are supervised.
To date, there are 7 counties and over 50 cities in California with laws making adults liable for socially providing alcohol to the youth. Data shows that in cities with Social Host Liability Ordinance only 5% of those found guilty of breaking the law are repeat offenders.
In solid support of the Social Host ordinance is the Carson Initiative for Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention (CISAAP), a community member-based coalition. CISAAP membership represents civic organization, faith centers, schools, law enforcement, city, and non-profit agencies. For the past seven years, CISAAP, in conjunction with the City of Carson, has been planning and organizing the weeklong Red Ribbon Week celebration for substance abuse and underage drinking during the 4th week of October and other substance abuse prevention activities through out the year. For more information on CISAAP participation and/or alcohol and other drug prevention in Carson, contact Richard Bis at [email protected].
CONTACT: Richard Bis
Community Organizer
AADAP, Inc. Community Prevention
323-293-6284
[email protected]
SOURCE Alcohol Justice
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article