The purpose of this Division P of the city code is to discourage underage possession and consumption of
, even if done within the confines of a private
, and to hold
criminally responsible who
where
under 21 years of age are allowed to possess or consume
regardless of whether the
hosting the
supplied the
. The City Council makes the following findings regarding the need to regulate these private gatherings.
(a)
and
held on private or public
where
is possessed or consumed by
under the age of 21 years are harmful to those
and constitute a potential threat to public health requiring prevention or abatement.
(b) Prohibiting underage consumption acts to protect
, as well as the general public, from injuries related to
consumption, such as
overdose,
induced assaultive or combative behavior or
-related traffic accidents.
(c)
is an addictive drug which, if used irresponsibly, could have drastic effects on those who use it as well as those who are affected by the actions of an irresponsible user.
(d) Often,
involving underage possession and consumption of
occur outside the presence of
. However, there are times when a
is present, and condones the activity, and in some circumstances provides the
.
(e) Even though giving or furnishing
to an
is a crime, it is difficult to prove, and an ordinance is necessary to help further combat underage consumption.
(f) A deterrent effect will be created by holding a
criminally responsible for hosting an
where underage possession or consumption occurs.
(Ord. 2011-18, passed 8-15-2011)