/ Jefferson County Supervisors
FAIRFIELD, IOWA --
Jefferson County Supervisor Lee Dimmitt told KTVO Friday afternoon that a social host ordinance in his county could be the first step to help decrease the underage drinking population in his county.
"This is a monetary penalty, it doesn't go beyond that. The county attorney's office says there is a limit, maximum on the civil penalties. It is more thought of as a foul than anything else. If we start handing these out, it would be like a traffic ticket. It is a civil penalty not a criminal penalty," said Dimmitt.
The ordinance, which is currently being put together by several community leaders, would impose a civil penalty to the person hosting the party where underage drinking is taking place.
"As the host of a party, this would impose civil penalty, I think up to a $250 fine. So, it is not a question of assuming that something was taking place, in other words, we're not charging you assuming you were providing the alcohol or anything of that nature. If you are physically hosting the party where underage drinking is taking place, you can be fined under this ordinance," said Dimmitt.
The Jefferson County Attorney's Office is still working on the proposal.
Dimmitt says that both the county and the City of Fairfield are on board, as well as the Fairfield Community School District.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO