Rocklin Ordinance Would Punish Parents Who Host Alcohol-Fueled Parties For Teens
ROCKLIN (CBS13) — The city of Rocklin is looking to go after parents who allow teenage drinking under their roof with a new social-host ordinance.
In the summer of 2013, father Robert Vickney Jr. was stabbed and killed after attacking his teenage son's friend in an alcohol-fueled altercation. The killing was ruled self-defense.
It was one of many reasons Sgt. Trent Jewell with Rocklin Police says they want more tools to stop parents and guardians allowing underaged drinking at their homes.
"In the last three years, we have responded to over 2,000 calls for noise complaints or party calls and the majority of those calls end up being minors in the residence drinking alcohol," he said.
The ordinance would allow officers to write a $1,000 ticket to any adults who are allowing drinking at their homes. officers can also write the citation to adults who "reasonably should have known" the drinking was happening.
Placer County parent Alan Baker is with the Coalition for Placer Youth, which is backing the ordinance. He says many Rocklin homes have wealthy families, which has its own risk .
"With affluence we do see a lot of denial, we see stigma, we see social pressure, we see money that can buy drugs and alcohol," he said.
It also provides large houses that can facilitate parties.
"I don't think teenagers are responsible enough to be given any type of drug or alcohol," he said.
The Rocklin City Council will discuss the ordinance again next month, and supporters hope Rocklin is the first of many communities in Placer County to adopt a similar ordinance.