Fort Collins Looks at Social Host Ordinance for Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is always a concern for law enforcement...and parents. That's why the City of Fort Collins is looking into a possible social host ordinance. You are invited to attend one of three public meetings to discuss options to address underage consumption of alcohol and/or marijuana at parties.

Here are the location and times:

• Feb. 8, 6-7:30 p.m., Twinberry Auditorium, Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr.
• Feb. 15, 6-7:30 p.m., Community Room, Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St.
• March 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Room #386, Lory Student Center, CSU

From FCGOV.com:

Neighborhood Services staff have researched the numerous ways other communities have chosen to address underage drinking and drug use. The public meetings will be an opportunity for staff to share this information and for residents to provide feedback on whether the City should pursue a new social host ordinance....

We have frequently been asked why Fort Collins is looking at this.  Here are some statistics that relate to Colorado teens:

• 81% tried alcohol at some point in their life by the 12th grade
• Almost 19% had their first drink prior to age 13
• 56.5% used some form of illegal drug by the 12th grade
• 6.8% used an illegal drug before the age of 13

Two options are being considered:

1. Keep things as they are and utilize existing ordinances and education.  No new social host ordinance would be adopted.  City staff would continue to use existing ordinances to enforce where possible.  Violations would be a criminal misdemeanor or felony depending on charge.  Not all scenarios could be enforced.
2. Adopt new Social Host Ordinance. The SHO would hold the host in control of a premise responsible for underage consumption of alcohol or marijuana on the premises.  The host would have to be present to get a violation.  The violations would be a civil infraction.