Sherburn County Passes Social Host Ordinance

ELK RIVER -- The "social host" ordinance is going into effect countywide in Sherburne County.

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance during yesterday's (Tuesday) meeting.  No one from the public testified during the public hearing.

It will now be a misdemeanor to knowingly allow underage drinking at a party.  And the adult does not have to be at the party to be held liable.

However, the ordinance does not apply to parents who allow their kids to drink in their home.

The Sherburne County ordinance is similar to the social host ordinance already passed by several communities within the county, including: St. Cloud, Elk River, Becker and Big Lake.