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ORDINANCE NO. <br />SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE <br />This ordinance prohibits any person or persons from hosting an event where alcohol is <br />present and being possessed or consumed by persons under twenty -one (2 1) years of age. <br />This ordinance also establishes penalties for any person or persons hosting such an event. <br />Be it enacted by the Pequot Lakes City Council, as follows: <br />Subd. 1. Purpose and Findings. The Pequot Lakes City Council intends to discourage <br />underage possession and consumption of alcohol, even if done within the confines of a <br />private residence, and intends to hold persons criminally responsible who host events or <br />gatherings where persons under 21 years of age possess or consume alcohol regardless of <br />whether the person hosting the event or gathering supplied the alcohol. The Pequot Lakes <br />City Council finds that: <br />(a) Events and gatherings held on private or public property where alcohol is <br />possessed or consumed by persons under the age of twenty -one are harmful to <br />those persons and constitute a potential threat to public health requiring <br />prevention or abatement. <br />(b) Prohibiting underage consumption acts to protect underage persons, as well as <br />the general public, from injuries related to alcohol consumption, such as alcohol <br />overdose or alcohol - related traffic collisions. <br />(c) Alcohol is an addictive drug which, if used irresponsibly, could have drastic <br />effects on those who use it as well as those who are affected by the actions of an <br />irresponsible user. <br />(d) Often, events or gatherings involving underage possession and consumption occur <br />outside the presence of parents. However, there are times when the parent(s) <br />is /are present and, condone the activity, and in some circumstances provide the <br />alcohol. <br />(e) Even though giving or furnishing alcohol to an underage person is a crime, it is <br />difficult to prove, and an ordinance is necessary to help further combat underage <br />consumption. <br />(f) A deterrent effect will be created by holding a person criminally responsible for <br />hosting an event or gathering where underage possession or consumption occurs. <br />M <br />