By: Jillian Wilson
jwilson@cbs4qc.com
A coalition of community members are trying to pass a law that would hold hosts responsible for underage drinking at parties.
Parents in Clinton are on board.
"I'm a mother and I would want someone to get in trouble if they were letting my kids drink at their house," says Varner.
Tara Varner has a daughter and she says it's no secret, underage drinking is a huge problem.
"I have a lot of underage people on my Facebook and I see pictures of them partying all the time and I always wonder where they're getting the alcohol," says Varner.
Current laws in Iowa, only punish those who give alcohol to minors,
But under the proposed ‘Social Host' ordinance, folks who provide a location for minors to drink would also be fined or face jail time.
"If you are hosting a party and you know that there are people under 21 in there drinking then you can be charged under this law," says Det. Sgt. Steve Cundiff, Clinton County Sheriff's Dept.
Officials from Clinton County Sheriff's Department say targeting the party sites is the best way to be proactive.
"A lot of times parents will tell their kids it's okay that they drink alcohol at their residence as long as they do not drive. Drinking alcohol leads to bad decisions among teens and we just want to stop that behavior.
Moms like Varner, want to see the plan in action.
"Because there are people getting hurt and there are people losing their lives because of it, so bottom line, no more drinking."
The coalition still needs to speak with the board of supervisors three times before it becomes a law. The next meeting is January 21st at 9:15 am at the Clinton County Administration Office. The public is welcome to attend.
