January 23, 2023
City Council
DATE: January 23, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proposed Social Host Ordinance
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
One in four 11th-grade students in WCCUSD reports
having used alcohol or drugs in the past year; one in
twelve reports that alcohol or other drug use caused
them to have negative experiences.
A social host ordinance can help reduce underage
drinking and drug use by making it illegal for adults to provide an environment where underage drinking or drug
use occurs.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a presentation from Nabila Sher-Oliver,
Alcohol, Marijuana, and Prescription Drug (AMPD)
Coalition Coordinator; and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff
regarding proposed Social Host policy, and timing for
Council consideration/recommendations –
Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743)
AGENDA
REPORT
January 23, 2023
DISCUSSION:
Alcohol and cannabis consumption by underage individuals can lead to various negative consequences. Excessive alcohol use among minors is associated with impaired judgment, accidents, injuries, and risky behaviors. Additionally, underage consumption of cannabis can negatively impact cognitive development and academic performance.
Both substances can contribute to long-term health issues. A Social Host Ordinance promotes the safety and well-being of Richmond youth and helps reduce the potential negative consequences of underage drinking. By discouraging adults from providing alcohol and drugs to minors and encouraging responsible gatherings, a social host ordinance fosters a safer social environment for our community.
A social host ordinance presents a valuable solution to mitigate the adverse effects of alcohol and cannabis misuse, particularly in social gatherings. By holding adult hosts accountable for permitting alcohol or drug use by minors on their premises, a social host ordinance is a deterrent, discouraging underage substance use. Moreover, an ordinance can encourage responsible behavior among hosts as they become more conscious of the potential legal and community consequences of their actions. As a result, social host ordinances enhance the safety of gatherings, reduce the burden on healthcare and law enforcement systems, and ultimately contribute to the development of a healthier, safer, and more responsible community for all residents, especially the youth.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Power point presentation