City of Big Bear Lake Adopts Social Host Ordinance

Big Bear, CA, April 27, 2012, 8:00am – Social hosting laws have been adopted recently by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors making it illegal for adults to provide a place for under-aged drinkers to congregate or what is commonly known as “partying”.  The same type of ordinance is about to become law in the City of Big Bear Lake as well.  On Monday evening at their regularly scheduled meeting, Big Bear Lake City Council moved forward to make hosting a party where alcohol is provided or available for non-legal drinkers a violation of the law.  Previously when this issue was brought before the council, members questioned the intent of the rules.  They were concerned that perhaps property owners who rent their property could be snared by default.  Captain Tom Bradford expressed that this new law would be an effective tool in combating teen alcohol abuse.  Bonnie Schaffer of Operation Breakthrough, a drug and alcohol abuse agency in Big Bear, echoed the same thoughts and went on to say that access to alcohol and drugs is a problem for our local youth as it is now a prevalent issue even with our Middle School aged youth.  As a parent, here is what you need to know.  If you or someone else provides a place for anyone under the legal drinking age to have a party where alcohol is available either anywhere in the home or brought into the home, you are in violation of the law and will be subject to fines and possible jail time.  Schaffer, in a later memo, expressed her gratitude by carefully reviewing the new law and tailoring it for Big Bear’s unique situation.  Michael Perry who represents a coalition of private home rental property owners expressed their view that the revision protected an owner who could not know if a property was being used as a teen party hot spot and in fact shifted the responsibility to the person who at the time of the violation was in control of the property.  Bonnie made it clear that the high school graduation season is upon us and that they want Big Bear youth to have a sober grad night.