Has social host ordinance done its job?
Stillwater city leaders are considering passing a social host law similar to the one we have here in Edmond.
The law places responsibility of underage drinking on the host of a party where minors are present. Thirty Oklahoma cities such as Owasso, Enid, Yukon and McAlester have passed social host laws.
Edmond has had a social host law since January 2007. At that time, Mayor Saundra Naifeh was interested in passing the law with the punishment set as a $500 fine or imprisonment not to exceed 60 days.
In 2007, the number of arrests on violating the ordinance in Edmond was 71, and a number of the violators were college students. Imagine the potential impact on Oklahoma State University students if Stillwater passes a social host law.
This month marks the second anniversary of the passage of the social host law in Edmond. Do you think the law has been effective in curbing underage drinking? Is the law tough enough on violators and has it been effective in reaching the right offenders?
I don’t think anyone would disagree with a stand against underage drinking, but one of the arguments at the introduction of the law was it’s better to have students drinking in a home where they can stay than drinking somewhere else and have them out on the roads.
That one doesn’t wash with me. You still run the risk of having drunk drivers on the road as they leave the place where the party is.
Is Edmond’s law tough enough or is it missing the mark?
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this law would be a good one if some cities weren’t abusing it. my son was arrested for the host ordinance because he is 21 and he didn’t live at the residence and he told the police he didn’t. yes he shouldn’t have been there with under age drinkers for that he is stupid. when he arrived at the house the beer was already there, he didn’t go in with any alcohol at all. they didn’t even check to see who lived there. this also happened to some people that were just watching movies no drinking involved and one was arrested for the host ordinance. what is probable cause, that u may have a few cars in drive way so u are having a party. need to set more guide lines.