Sheriff Mark Falk wants to put a stop to underage drinking in Cook County. Laws already exist that make supplying alcohol to anyone under 21 a criminal offense. But it may become a misdemeanor to even host a gathering where people under 21 are drinking alcohol, regardless of who supplied it.
Falk has been working with County Attorney Tim Scannell on drafting a “social host” ordinance that prohibits anyone, even minors themselves, from being party to an environment in which underage drinking takes place.
Half the problem with underage drinking, Attorney Scannell told the county board on September 27, is providing alcohol, but the other half is allowing an environment where consumption takes place.
Falk said one example would be parents who host a graduation party where they insist that all those in attendance stay on the premises the entire time, knowing the kids will be drinking.
The proposed ordinance states, “It is unlawful for any person(s) to host or allow an event or gathering at any residence, premises, or any other private or public property where alcohol or alcoholic beverages are present when the person knows or reasonably should know that an underage person will or does consume or possess any alcohol or alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it, and the person fails to take reasonable steps to prevent possession or consumption by any underage person.
“…A person who hosts an event or gathering as described…above does not have to be present at the event or gathering to be criminally responsible.”
The proposed penalty for violation of the ordinance would be a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. The ordinance would apply in all areas of the county except the City of Grand Marais, which was presented with the proposed ordinance on September 28.
The proposed ordinance would not apply to situations in which parents allow their own children to drink or in their presence, at home, legally protected religious observances, businesses that sell alcohol, or handling alcohol as part of one’s job.
The county board passed a motion authorizing the start of the ordinance adoption process, which will involve a public hearing at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 8.
According to Mark Falk, “It’s all about prevention and doing what we can as a community to prevent people under 21 from drinking.”
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