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    Edmond Police arrest more than 70 'social hosts' in 1 year

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December 31, 2007

Edmond Police arrest more than 70 'social hosts' in 1 year

Officials, hosts differ on law’s results

John A. Williams

EDMOND — It’s almost been one year since Edmond’s social host ordinance went into effect resulting in more than 70 arrests for allowing a gathering with underage drinkers.

Depending on who you ask, the new law either has been a deterrent or an annoyance.

Police Chief Bob Ricks said the social host ordinance has done “everything we intended and more.”

Following the recommendations of a task force on underage drinking, the City Council adopted a social host ordinance in December 2006. The law took effect in January 2007 and penalizes adults who knowingly provide alcohol to teens in their home.

The new ordinance closes a loophole in the law that has existed for a long time. Project Under 21 coordinator Edmond Police Lt. Tom Custer said the argument from parents that it is safer for them to host a drinking party instead of letting teens drink and drive won’t work under the new ordinance.

“It’s not going to end all underage drinking, but it’s another weapon in our arsenal,” Ricks said.

He pointed to traffic studies that have shown car accidents as the major cause of death for those 25 years old and younger. Ricks said in many of those deaths the drivers had been consuming alcohol.

Ricks said police officers are made aware of underage drinking parties in a variety of ways but mostly through complaints of loud parties.

“(The ordinance) has been very effective and the number of parties have declined,” the police chief said.

But some of those arrested for violating the social host law or those attending parties broken up by police have a different take on the issue.

Joab Rios-Fuentes of Edmond was one of those arrested for a social host violation recently. He said despite Edmond being a college town, there isn’t that much for students to do. He said it is difficult to monitor who attends local parties where alcohol is served.

“Most of my friends are 21 but there’s no way to stop underage people to come to a party. They come with a friend of a friend,” he said.

“It takes away from the college experience. Kids can’t do anything around here so they have to drive somewhere and some of them will drink.”

Jeremy Garcia of Edmond was arrested on a social host violation Wednesday, but said he thinks the intent of the law is fair.

“I have no trouble with what the police are trying to do,” he said. “I just think they should at least get more of the story and the facts before they place someone under arrest.”

The ordinance carries with it up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail. Edmond is the first city in Oklahoma to pass a social host ordinance.

According to a fact sheet from Project 21, 652 youth between the ages of 12-20 years old were admitted for alcohol treatment in Oklahoma in 2002. The fact sheet also states that in 2001 underage drinkers consumed 20.4 percent of all alcohol sold in Oklahoma, totaling more than $184 million in sales.

Charles Christmas was at a recent party where three men were arrested on social host violations. He said the new law doesn’t serve any purpose.

“It’s stupid,” he said. “That’s why I live in Oklahoma City.”



jwilliams@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

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