(A) The City Council intends to discourage underage possession and consumption of alcohol, even if done within the confines of a private residence, and intends to hold persons criminally responsible for hosting events or gatherings where persons under 21 years of age possess or consume alcohol, regardless of whether the person hosting the event or gathering supplied the alcoholic beverages.
(B) The City Council finds:
(1) Events and gatherings held on private or public property where alcoholic beverages are possessed or consumed by persons under the age of 21 may be harmful to those persons and constitute a potential threat to public health.
(2) Prohibiting underage consumption of alcohol protects underage persons and the general public from injuries related to consumption of alcohol, such as alcohol overdose or alcohol-related traffic crashes.
(3) Alcohol is an addictive substance which, if used irresponsibly, could have adverse effects on those who use it and on those who are affected by the actions of an irresponsible user.
(4) Though events or gatherings involving underage possession and consumption often occur outside the presence of parents, there are times when a parent is present, condones the activity, or provides the alcoholic beverages.
(5) Giving or furnishing an alcoholic beverage to an underage person is a crime, but this chapter is necessary to help further combat underage consumption and to protect public health.
(6) A deterrent effect will be created by holding a person criminally responsible for hosting an event or gathering where underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages occurs.
(Ord. 50, 6th Series, passed 10-19-2010)