Fort Collins Considers Social Host Violation To Curb Underage Drinking
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- Leaders in Fort Collins will consider a proposal that would hold party hosts accountable for underage drinking and marijuana use that takes place inside their residence or on their property.
On Tuesday night, the city council is scheduled to review and possibly vote on a proposed ordinance addressing the matter at its regularly scheduled meeting.
The measure is aimed at reducing underage partying. It has the potential to affect parents, homeowners and older college students who host their underage peers.
According to meeting agenda documents, staff recommends the council approve a proposed ordinance that would let police issue civil citations to "social hosts" who are present when underage alcohol and marijuana consumption and possession occurs at a property for which they are legally responsible. There would be exemptions for circumstances involving parental consent for religious reasons and for those under the age of 21 who have state-registered medical marijuana cards.
Councilwoman Kristin Stephens said the proposed regulation is not aimed at punishing parents whose children throw parties when they are not home. Rather, she hopes it addresses underlying factors that can lead to substance abuse among minors.
Stephens said while she is leaning toward supporting the measure, she wants to hear staff's presentation before deciding.
City staff spent months researching the idea and consulting with members of the community, including Team Wellness and Prevention (formerly Team Fort Collins), a community group that provides substance abuse treatment and educational programs. The group's executive director, Gordon Coombes, said that while there is opposition to the plan, research shows similar regulations in other communities have worked.
"It's been very effective as a prevention tool in other cities," Coombes said. "We think it's a good strategy and would love to have this passed here in the city of Fort Collins."
Fort Collins police also worked with the city on the proposal. They declined to be interviewed for the story.
The council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Fort Collins City Hall located at 300 Laporte Ave.
Lauren DiSpirito is CBS4's Northern Newsroom reporter. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.
