City Attorney Ted Pasley added a stinger to the social host ordinance adopted by city councilors to deter underage drinking.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize you can not give alcohol to a minor,” he told the governing board. “It’s called contributing to the delinquency of a minor — you can’t do that.”
The attorney’s remark followed council approval of an ordinance enacted by a growing number of municipalities, the most recent in this area being Tishomingo. Like their Johnston County counterparts, Madill councilors tacked a $500 fine on the punishment phase of the new law and made it effective immediately by adopting an emergency clause.
As adopted, the ordinance requires a social host to take “reasonable steps” to prevent alcohol being served to minors. By “reasonable steps,” officials say the ordinance makes the host responsible to control how much liquor is available; verify the ages of those present to prevent minors from drinking and supervise the activities of underaged guests.
Police Chief James Fullingim said the ordinance provides law enforcement with another tool to deal with the growing problem of underaged drinking. Others call it “an issue.”
Parents are not subject to the regulation unless a minor child leaves the home in an intoxicated condition.
