Prior Lake's decision last week to become the first Scott County community to join the "social host" trend will lead to the idea being actively considered across the county, officials say.
The law creates criminal liability for people who host parties where underage people drink, provided the host "reasonably should have known" it would happen. It doesn't prevent parents from letting their own kids drink at home.
The chiefs of police of the various cities have discussed it among themselves and will have conversations with their city councils, County Attorney Patrick Ciliberto has told members of the County Board. And he and the county sheriff want to sit down with members of the board to share their views.
Prior Lake officials "hope this will be done county-wide," said Barbara Marschall, who represents that city on the County Board. But she is mindful of the fact that, although Chaska went ahead with such an ordinance, it has not been adopted by other jurisdictions on that side of the Minnesota River. "I am open to a discussion on it," she added.
Law enforcement officers often arrive at a party where underage drinking is taking place, city officials say, but cannot tell who provided the alcoholic drinks. Under this law, the host can be held responsible. A parent who's out of town would not be charged, they say, but if a parent is home and is not paying attention as the party grows and becomes more raucous, it could be a different story.
Prior Lake is believed to be the 16th jurisdiction in Minnesota to adopt a social host ordinance.
DAVID PETERSON
