Minneapolis opened debate Wednesday on whether the city should join dozens of other Minnesota cities and counties in criminalizing the hosting of gatherings where people under 21 drink.

But a City Council panel that endorsed the proposal by University of Minnesota-area Council Member Cam Gordon also heard objections from some university students.

A "social host" ordinance has been adopted in almost 39 cities and counties since the Legislature allowed cities to create such restrictions. The Minneapolis proposal would make it a misdemeanor to host a gathering if the host knows or should know that a person under 21 is using alcohol, or has it and intends to drink it. Misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days of jail.

There are exemptions for religious observances and for parents who allow their children to drink in their own homes. Landlords wouldn't be liable for tenants' gatherings, nor would roommates.

Those who host gatherings where alcohol is consumed by minors already face civil lawsuits for damages from those who suffer injuries or losses caused by an underage drinker. But backers of the proposal say there's a loophole when the drinking is outside a bar or restaurant licensed for alcohol.

That's because police often find it time-consuming to prove who supplied alcohol to underage drinkers at social gatherings; that requirement would be bypassed if the host is held accountable.

The first law aimed at hosting was adopted by Kandiyohi County in 2007, followed shortly by the city of Chaska. Some students said the council should wait to act until it's clear that the new laws effectively reduce work in reducing access by minors to alcohol.

University student Martin Cech said the law could push binge drinking from parties into dorm rooms, where it would be harder to monitor. He added that the host law also could deter calls to 911 for medical help for intoxicated students.

Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438