The City Council intends to discourage underage consumption of alcohol, even if done within the confines of a private residence, and intends to hold persons criminally responsible who host events or gatherings where persons under 21 years of age consume alcohol regardless of whether the person hosting the event or gathering supplied the alcohol. The City Council finds that:
(A) Events and gatherings held on private or public property where alcohol is consumed by persons under the age of 21 are harmful to those persons and constitute a potential threat to public health requiring prevention or abatement.
(B) Events and gatherings held on private or public property where alcohol is consumed by persons under the age of 21 disturb neighbors, damage property and jeopardize their own or others’ safety.
(C) Events and gatherings held on private or public property where alcohol is consumed by persons under the age of 21 are responsible for a disproportionate expenditure of public safety resources which can delay or reduce the ability of the police, fire or other emergency service provider to respond to other emergencies.
(D) Prohibiting underage consumption acts to protect underage persons, as well as the general public, from injuries related to alcohol consumption, such as alcohol overdose or alcohol related traffic collisions.
(E) Often, events or gatherings involving underage consumption occur outside the presence of parents or other responsible adults. However, there are times when the parent or other adult is present and condones the activity, and, in some circumstances, provides the alcohol.
(F) Even though giving or furnishing alcohol to an underage person is a crime, this subchapter is necessary to help further combat underage consumption.
(G) A deterrent effect will be created by holding a person criminally responsible for hosting an event or gathering where underage consumption occurs.
(Ord. 600, passed 8-23-2010)