Social host fines pass in Seaside for underage drinking

Underage drinking is a growing problem in one Central Coast city. That’s according to the Seaside Police Department.

On Thursday night, Seaside became the next city on the Monterey Peninsula to create a new ordinance to try to prevent the problem. The law stipulates homeowners who allow underage drinking on their watch, serve alcohol or allow people under 21 to drink, could face steep fines.

Deputy Chief Louis Lumpkin said if police are called out to party and underage drinkers are found, the homeowner will face an initial $500 fine. If the same homeowner is caught again, the fine doubles to $1000. Seaside isn’t alone, Lumpkin said Pacific Grove, Salinas and Marina have a similar law. The city is hoping the law will curtail underage drinking.

“We’re seeing an increase in underage drinking and so what we’re trying to do is curb that, put the responsibility to the homeowner, the person that’s actually hosting the party, to try and curb that,” Lumpkin said.

Lumpkin said the law won’t take effect right away, there will be some time to educate the public with fliers and possibly some information on the city’s website. If a homeowner is caught a third time, Lumpkin said the person will responsible for the entire cost for law enforcement to respond to the incident, which could cost thousands of dollars.