Mercer Island considering social host ordinance

Thanks to Mercer Island's Communities That Care Coalition, the Mercer Island City Council is considering an ordinance that would fine adults who host underage drinking parties in their homes.  These types of laws, called social host ordinances, are an effective method for preventing underage drinking in communities where house parties are a problem.  As with most youth substance abuse prevention-related policies, they are especially effective in communities where multiple prevention activities are happening. 

For those of you who would like to be present for the second reading and vote on the proposed ordinance, the Mercer Island City Council will take up the matter again during its December 5, 2011 meeting.  

PTA program educates parents about the legal ramifications of serving alcohol to teens

The Washington State PTA's Parent Pledge program is an awareness campaign designed to educate parents about the legal ramifications as well as the health and safety risks associated with serving alcohol to teens other than their own children.

PTA Parent Pledge resources that are available online are:

• Parent Pledge Program Overview
• Back to School Checklist
• Parent Pledge Directory Information
• Parent Letter Example

Parents Who Host Lose the Most is a similar campaign that is used throughout the country with a focus on social host laws.  Washington does not have a social host liability law.  However, the Washington State Supreme Court did rule that social hosts who serve alcohol to minors can be held liable for resulting harms to the minor who was served but are not liable for injuries the minor may inflict on third parties. 

Washington State does prohibit furnishing alcohol to minors.  However, parents/guardians may furnish alcohol to their own children.  

Want more information?  The Alcohol Policy Information System contains detailed information about alcohol policy, including policy related to minors.