Lane County’s New

Social Host Ordinance

What is it?

An ordinance that holds non-commercial individuals responsible for underage drinking events on property they lease, own or otherwise control;

Covers only unincorporated areas in Lane County;

Is a way to limit kids’ access to alcohol by preventing parents and other adults from hosting underage drinking parties;

Targets the venue where underage drinking takes place.

What is an ‘unincorporated’

area?

AdaAlvadoreBelknap SpringsBlachlyBlue RiverBrickervilleCheshireCrowCulp CreekCushmanDeadwoodDexterDisstonDorenaElmiraFall CreekFinn RockGillespie CornersGlenadaGoshen

GreenleafHeceta BeachHortonJasperLancasterLeaburgLondon SpringsLoraneLow PassMabelMalabonMapletonMarcolaMcCredie SpringsMcKenzie BridgeMinervaMohawkNimrodNotiPleasant Hill

RainbowRiverviewSaginawSanta ClaraSearose BeachSiltcoosSwisshomeTiernanTriangle LakeVaughnVidaWaldenWalkerWaltervilleWaltonWendlingWestlake

Unincorporated Areas of Lane County:

Why is the

Social Host Ordinance Important?

Alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance in Oregon;

Researchers found that 45% of people who began drinking before age 14 developed later alcohol dependence, compared with only 10% of those who waited until they were 21 or older to start drinking;

More than one of every 20 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence requiring treatment.

Nature and Extent of the

Problem:

In Oregon, youth who drink are more likely to be involved in other

risky behaviors:

Youth who drink are eight times more likely to smoke cigarettes and 10 times more likely to smoke marijuana

Nearly a quarter of eighth grade girls who binge drink report attempting suicide in the past year

Two thirds of 11th grade boys who binge drink also gamble

In Lane County :

Alcohol use among eighth grade youth is increasing; binge drinking rates were about the same as the state average

The 2006 rates of alcohol use and binge drinking among 11th grade youth are higher than the state average

Other Reasons This

Matters…

If you are charged with violating the Social Host Ordinance:

Your home owners insurance may increaseAnother adult can hold you civilly liable and any injuries, alcohol poisoning, or sexual assaults that occur may result in lawsuitsYou could be charged for medical bills or property damage, or sued for emotional suffering or painSomeone could become injured or die

What are the

Consequences?

1st offense –Fine of $500

2nd offense – $750 fine and the cost of response providers to the site of the party

Subsequent offenses within a 3 year period – $1000 fine and the cost of response providers.

What Can YOU Do?

Set a good example

Know the warning signs for underage drinking

grades suddenly decline missing school mood changes dropping out of usual activities friends suddenly changesecretive behavior, hostile/aggressive outburstsDepressionAnxietyLost motivationValuables missing from your homeYour child just doesn’t seem “right”

Securely store the alcohol in your home - Lock it up

Talk to your kids set ground rules with your teen before any party

Talk to your kids’ friends and their parents

let them know your rules and that you expect your child to follow them no matter where they are

Involve yourself and your child Engage in your community’s efforts to address underage drinking

For more information, go to:

www.lanecounty.org/prevention