Social host’ law aimed at teen drinking
“It’s happening, and happening enough that the Beach Cities Health District said we have a problem here.” – Councilman Christian Horvath The Redondo Beach City Council approved a social host ordinance at its Aug. 14 meeting, taking action against substance use among minors by cracking down on parties at private homes. The ordinance, given its first reading on Tuesday night, holds homeowners and renters responsible for underage drinking on their property. It closes a gap in state laws, which outlaw alcohol use by minors in public, but don’t address drinking on private property. It also takes a more aggressive approach than similar ordinances in neighboring cities, by criminalizing the violation as a misdemeanor, rather than imposing a civil fine. “By going misdemeanor, it’s a real deterrent,” City Attorney Michael Webb said. “If you’re allowing your child to drink at home and they have friends over, you make the booze available, that’s a problem.” Alcohol consumption by minors is harmful to the health and welfare of the community, Redondo Beach Police Chief Keith Kauffman said, and shutting down parties can take a toll on police resources. “The numbers would say that [the incidence…
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