Efforts of Big Bear’s Breakthrough Task Force Result in New Law for San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County, CA — San Bernardino County has a new Social Host Ordinance and, though unanimously approved by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors this week, the law will not take effect until July 15. The Social Host Ordinance, which was instigated by Big Bear’s Breakthrough Task Force, makes liable those adults who serve alcohol, or make it available, to minors. As explained by Bonnie Shaffer, who spearheaded the effort on behalf of Big Bear Recovery Services, “We at the Breakthrough Task Force have been working on this for a long time and this ordinance will hold adults responsible when they provide underage people a place to drink.” Those who do so will be subject to (as yet undetermined) fines issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and, as noted by County Supervisors Chairman Gary Ovitt, “This Social Host Ordinance reduces the steady stream of alcohol for young people at house parties. It’s a tool for the community–not just law enforcement. It will force parents to think twice before they decide to host an underage drinking party.”