Councilors mull 'social host' rule to curb underage drinking in city

By BOB GIBBINS

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS May 08, 2008 11:19 am

— Tahlequah city councilors will consider a social host ordinance later this month when they meet in special session.
A group of Tahlequah High School students have been working with Police Chief Steve Farmer and the police department on the ordinance, aimed at curbing underage drinking at social gatherings.
Jessica Davis and Dustiny Rose, THS students, appeared before the city council Monday night, asking it to give the proposed ordinance favorable consideration.
The item was on Monday’s agenda for discussion only. Mayor Ken Purdy said the city is pleased to see students take an initiative in doing something about the underage drinking problem.
The proposed ordinance states “it is the duty of any person having control of any premises who knowingly hosts, permits or allows a gathering to take all reasonable steps to prevent the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any minor at the gathering.”
It defines “reasonable steps” as “controlling access to alcoholic beverages at the gathering; controlling the quantity of alcoholic beverages at the gathering; verifying the age of persons attending the gathering by inspecting drivers licenses or other government-issued identification cards to ensure minors don’t consume alcoholic beverages while at the gathering; and supervising the activity of minors at the gathering.”
The ordinance doesn’t apply to conduct involving the use of alcoholic beverages occurring exclusively between a minor and his or her parent or legal guardian. It also exempts family activities held at home, but doesn’t allow for a minor to leave the residence intoxicated.
The proposed legislation also doesn’t pertain to religious practices involving the use of alcohol, but the minor could be arrested if he appears in public after the religious service.
Those determined to be in violation of the ordinance would be subject to a $500 fine and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days.