Survey: Thirty Two Percent of Lamorinda Parents Report Knowing Parents Hosting Alcohol Parties for Area Teens

According to just released statistics compiled by the Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition a startling number of local parents know of peers who have openly served alcohol to underage youths -- despite knowing the practice is illegal and punishable by hefty fines.

A coalition leader admitted surprise at the outcome of the survey.

"These findings are alarming and the Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition is working to do something about it,” Jaime Rich, Policy Coordinator for the coalition, said in a release Tuesday.

The parent survey also assessed knowledge of the current laws regarding underage drinking among 500 local parents. When asked if one could be fined up to $1,000 for hosting a party where there were youth under the age of 21 consuming alcohol, 50 percent of survey respondents said they were unsure. 

The correct answer, as it happens, is "yes" -- parents and other adults can be fined up to $1,000 for hosting a party where youth under the age of 21 consume alcohol.

Both Moraga and Orinda have Social Host Ordinances on their books.  In Orinda the law states that “No person may permit or host a loud or unruly gathering when that person knows, or reasonably should know, that a person under 21 years of age possesses or consumes an alcohol beverage at the gathering.”

A violation can result in a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed six months or both. 

A similar ordinance in Moraga states: “No person may allow or host a party at any property under his or her control where five or more persons under the age of 21 are present and alcoholic beverages are in the possession of or are being consumed by any person under 21 years of age.”  Violating this law is an infraction and someone can be fined up to $100 for a first time violation.

Lafayette, Rich and her coalition point out, does not have a Social Host Ordinance.  If a parent is found to be providing alcohol to a minor it is contributing to the delinquency of a minor and is considered a misdemeanor crime.

"The Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition is striving to increase awareness of the underage drinking prevention laws throughout the community,” Rich wrote.

The Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition is coordinated by the Center for Human Development and funded by Contra Costa Health Services, Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Division. Based in Pleasant Hill, Center for Human Development is a community-based organization that offers a spectrum of services for at-risk youth, individuals, families, and communities in the Bay Area.  For more information, contact Jaime Rich at Jaime@chd-prevention.org or 925.687.8844 x227.