Local governments around Fayette County have proclaimed April as Alcohol Awareness Month, with members of Drug Free Fayette and AVPride reminding parents of the legal prohibitions involved with violating social hosting ordinances adopted countywide.
Above, Drug Free Fayette representative Jean Felts (C) on April 5 received a proclamation by Peachtree City Mayor Vanessa Fleisch (L) and Councilman Phil Prebor signifying April as Alcohol Awareness Month in Fayette County. Photo/Ben Nelms.
Drug Free Fayette representative Jean Felts attended the April 5 Peachtree City Council, and received a proclamation acknowledging the city’s support for the social hosting ordinances which are in-force throughout Fayette County.
Previously adopted countywide and with the support of all law enforcement agencies, the ordinance imposes penalties, including potential jail time, on parents who allow social hosting to occur.
The social hosting ordinance states that a person violating the ordinance is criminally responsible.
An adult who allows underage drinking on property they own, rent or lease is referred to as a “social host.” Given that alcohol is the No. 1 drug used by teenagers, the intention of the ordinance is to reduce enderage drinking at teen parties.
The ordinance is structured to prohibit adults from hosting or allowing events at any residence or location where they know or reasonably should know that underage persons will consume alcohol.
The ordinance does not apply to legally-protected religious observances, underage persons legally possessing alcohol as part of their employment or to conduct that occurs solely between parents and their own children in their household.
The initiative that led to the ordinance has been promoted by AVPRide and Fayette Factor for the past several years.
