In The News

Take Social Host Penalty Up A Notch
Originally printed in The Westerly Sun
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Westerly Sun Commentary

The issue of underage drinking is a serious one, and one that society has fought for generations. Only in recent years, however, have we developed strategies that are now gaining momentum toward 'solving' what all too often becomes a dangerous situation.

Still, the social stigma of adults hosting parties where booze is served to minors has not been enough to curb the carnage in our fair town and across the state. So, when the Westerly Substance Abuse Task Force proposed a town law to hold adults liable for hosting parties where alcohol is served to minors, we were more than happy to support the measure.

A hearing on the proposed "Social Host" ordinance is scheduled for Monday's Town Council meeting. And it should be noted the ordinance would be the first of its kind in Rhode Island.

For that fact we should all be proud.

As it is proposed, the town law would hold adults liable for conducting, aiding, allowing or permitting a party at a residence where alcohol is served to minors. The person with control of the property as an owner or renter, but not the landlord, would be responsible. Violators would have to answer to the charges in Municipal Court and face an initial fine of $250. Second and third offenses within a one-year period would warrant fines of $500 and $1,000.

The ordinance would reinforce an existing state law, under which prosecutions have been rare. The state prohibits adults from procuring or providing alcohol to minors and holds them criminally liable if they permit underage drinking in their residence or on their property.

But does the town law go far enough? We don't think so. We urge the Task Force and the Council to consider ratcheting up the fine structure for the benefit of those who need some motivation to simply follow the law and keep teens safe.

We propose a first-offense fine of $1,000 and a second offense to be even higher. It boggles the mind to think there would be a third offense. We all would like to think that setting the proper example and following the law - for fear of losing your home in a wrongful death suit - is enough to prevent underage drinking parties; but if not, and evidence indicates these reasons are not enough, then a bigger hammer is needed.

Remember, that inebriated youngster behind the wheel of an auto is not just a danger to himself. Everyone else on the road is a target.

We think people are getting the message about the serious ramifications of underage drinking, thanks to groups such as the Task Force, and this ordinance will reinforce it.

Let's just beef up the penalty.