Underage Drinking Ordinance Fines Parents at least $250
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: June 4, 2012
WASHINGTON- Soon if a minor is caught drinking in your home, it could be you that ends up paying big bucks.
"It is easy for kids to get away with stuff like that. It's easy. They are sneaky," said Kara Ksycki of Washington.
Ksycki, a mother of three in Washington, says it's not always easy keeping track of underage drinking. But she says it's a parent's job.
Soon, she and other parents won't have a choice.
"Most parents are generally responsible. But there are some parents that aren't. And we need to have a little teeth to get those individuals," said deputy chief Don Welch.
The city of Washington passed an ordinance that would penalize homeowners if minors are caught drinking under their roofs.
Homeowners who are caught allowing underage drinking in their homes will be fined at least $250.
"If the host has knowledge of the part or constructive knowledge of the party, they could be held responsible for those costs," said Welch.
Tazewell County's Teen Initiative, a task force to prevent underage drinking, came up with the idea.
The goal is to make parents more responsible..
"Ultimately parents are responsible for their children, for what the choices they make," said Sara Sparkman, community relationship manager at Tazewell County Health Department. Sparkman also sits on the Tazewell Teen Initiative committee.
If homeowners don't know, they won't be in trouble. Also, if homeowners find out and notify authorities, they will not have to pay a fine.
Ksycki says if it happened to her, there's no way she'd pay the bill alone.
"Yes, they would have to pay the fine. I would make them come up with the money to pay the fine," said Welch.
The ordinance was passed at Monday night's city council meeting.
Washington is the first city in Tazewell County to adopt this ordinance.
Homeowners will be off the hook if they didn't know or if they notify police.
"It is easy for kids to get away with stuff like that. It's easy. They are sneaky," said Kara Ksycki of Washington.
Ksycki, a mother of three in Washington, says it's not always easy keeping track of underage drinking. But she says it's a parent's job.
Soon, she and other parents won't have a choice.
"Most parents are generally responsible. But there are some parents that aren't. And we need to have a little teeth to get those individuals," said deputy chief Don Welch.
The city of Washington passed an ordinance that would penalize homeowners if minors are caught drinking under their roofs.
Homeowners who are caught allowing underage drinking in their homes will be fined at least $250.
"If the host has knowledge of the part or constructive knowledge of the party, they could be held responsible for those costs," said Welch.
Tazewell County's Teen Initiative, a task force to prevent underage drinking, came up with the idea.
The goal is to make parents more responsible..
"Ultimately parents are responsible for their children, for what the choices they make," said Sara Sparkman, community relationship manager at Tazewell County Health Department. Sparkman also sits on the Tazewell Teen Initiative committee.
If homeowners don't know, they won't be in trouble. Also, if homeowners find out and notify authorities, they will not have to pay a fine.
Ksycki says if it happened to her, there's no way she'd pay the bill alone.
"Yes, they would have to pay the fine. I would make them come up with the money to pay the fine," said Welch.
The ordinance was passed at Monday night's city council meeting.
Washington is the first city in Tazewell County to adopt this ordinance.
Homeowners will be off the hook if they didn't know or if they notify police.
