Mesa Parents Could Get Fined for Underage Drinking

Mesa, Ariz., police are proposing an ordinance that would make even unknowing parents accountable for underage drinking going on in their home.

KPHO-TV reports that the police department gave a presentation to a city public safety committee on a proposed “social host” law.

Under the ordinance, even an adult who didn’t know underage drinking had occurred could face anywhere from a $250 fine to being charged with a criminal misdemeanor.

Arizona state law requires police prove a host knew or should have known a minor was consuming alcohol in the home.

According to the Mesa Prevention Alliance, 20 percent of high school seniors reported that a parent or guardian gave them alcohol, a 5 percent jump from 2010.

The Mesa City Council will vote on the ordinance early next year.