Highland Park, Illinois, is in the process of revising its social-hosting ordinance, which aims to hold parents accountable when minors engage in drinking or drug use in their homes. Under the current ordinance, parents are only liable if they permit use or possession of alcohol or drugs on their property.

The change would mandate that adults take "reasonable steps" to prevent alcohol or drug consumption by minors.

Lake Forest’s ordinance, which is being rewritten and awaiting a vote in Highland Park, goes on to define "reasonable steps" as actions by parents to control access to alcohol, the quantity of alcohol at a gathering, verifying the age of attendees by inspecting drivers licenses, supervising the activities of minors and calling police for assistance in the event people under 21 are found in possession of alcohol. [Source: Highland Park News]

Though there was general support for the proposed change, some council members voiced concern. In particular, one council member wondered if such a strict ordinance would “scare” parents and they would no longer be willing to let kids hang out in their homes – forcing kids to hang out in places where they may not be supervised at all.

Labels: parental_involvement, parties

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton