Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, along with members of the Sacramento Youth and Alcohol Coalition, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at the Sacramento County Administration Building to call for the passage of a social host ordinance.
“This proposal brought before the Board of Supervisors is part of a comprehensive approach for our community in addressing underage drinking,” says Supervisor Roger Dickinson. “If passed, this ordinance would support those parents who are trying to ensure their teens do not engage in underage drinking.” Sacramento’s underage drinking rate is dangerously high. Research shows that underage drinking negatively affects the healthy development of the adolescent brain and body and increases a youth’s risk of developing substance abuse problems as an adult.
Data reported from Sacramento County school students found that 90% of 11th graders acknowledge that frequent alcohol use is harmful, and 62% admit that they have consumed alcohol. Thirty-four percent of these students reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days (California Healthy Kids Survey, 2006-2008).
The Sacramento Youth and Alcohol Coalition presented this ordinance at several Town Hall meetings over the past month and received very positive responses from the community. The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on this ordinance on Wednesday, May 12th at 6 p.m. at the Board Chambers.
The Coalition has worked with the District Attorney’s Office and the Rental Housing Association to gain their support for the ordinance.