Social Host Ordinance

caught providing alcohol to anyone under 21 years old. tomorrow, city reps will talk about the “social host ordinance. city leaders say it would give more teeth to an existing state law. if the ordinance becomes law … it would holds people accountable for providing an environment where underage drinking and related nuisances occur. asbc-seven’s ashlie rodrigues reports: – right now there is a burden of proof on police officers when they go out to these parties. it’s kind of hard to say who is providing to who. and so with this kind of ordinance, it would allow police officers to address these kinds of parties. rio grande safe communities, along with paso del norte health foundation, umc and others, want this local law. they point to statistics in el paso that says the texas school survey of drug & alcohol use reported– 56- percent of el paso 12th graders and 30-percent of 9th graders say that alcohol is at most or all of the parties they attend. that’s the most commonly used drug among youth, is alcohol .. so the groups asked reps. cortney niland and michiel noe to put it on the agenda. the reps support it, believing state laws need local teeth. current law will punish minors caught with alcohol — and criminal charges for adults who give alcohol to minors. a social host ordinance is a more like a speeding ticket, as opposed to a misdemeanor. instead of trying to prove who bought the liquor for the, just say the person who’s property they are on is responsible. so if you have a house party at your home and you get caught, your parents are going to be responsible whether they bought you the liquor or not. we posted this story on the kvia facebook page — where you are already sounding off. ronny tells us: “honestly i wouldnt be a big issue if the parents give their kid a drink and keep them at the house …” vidal says: “no, let them d what they want with they’re children… of course with their parents consent. it ain’t affecting me.” and from ozcar: “i rather the do it under someone’s supervision and not in the streets.” how do you feel about the underage drinking ordinance el paso city council will discuss tomorrow? find the kvia abc- seven facebook page… and look for your comments tonight on abc-seven at nine on the c-w with bob harp and nichole gomez. speaking of nichole… she’s in