MERCER ISLAND, Wash. -- Starting on Friday, Mercer Island parents and homeowners will be held responsible for underage drinking at their homes, even if they are out of town and unaware it is happening.
The recently passed "social host" ordinance is believed to be the first of its kind in the state and some are hoping the idea will spread across Washington. Starting on Jan. 13, people who own, rent or lease property where teenage drinking happens can be fined $250.
"This ordinance sends a message that our parents too need to be responsible," said Derek Franklin with Communities that Care Coalition on Mercer Island.
The coalition helped spearhead the new ordinance. Franklin believes the vast majority of parents on Mercer Island are responsible, but they're targeting the 5% percent who allow underage drinking and parties at their homes. But Franklin said underage drinking is a real problem. He points to a survey on Mercer Island that found 44% of high school seniors admitted they drank in the past 30 days.
Some parents have complained the new law is too heavy handed, but supporters disagree.
"I think it comes back to the fact that 44% of our kids are still drinking. It's not safe. We know from a public health perspective that kids drinking alcohol can have permanent damage. It's the number one killer associated with deaths among kids in the United States," said Franklin.
Under the new law, the person who's house is being used for underage drinking could be a cited by police and have to pay a fine of $250, regardless of whether or not that person permitted drinking in their home.
But some parents feel the $250 is too expensive.
"It's pretty high. Someone would have to call the cops for that to happen. I could see people maybe taking chances," said Rebecca Lane, a parent.
"I think the sooner the better, because maybe a few parents will say we can't do that because we don't want that fine," said Kathi Coski, a grandparent who lost a child to a drunk driver.
Mercer Island police say the citation would be a civil infraction equivalent to a speeding ticket. On a scale, it's a penalty that's below a misdemeanor.
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