One Iowa city getting closer to passing the social host bill

Parents and adults are the focal point of a new bill called the social host ordinance in Iowa. Many cities in the U.S. are beginning to pass laws like these to give minors fewer places to consume alcohol.

For instance, the City Council of Webster City, Iowa passed the first reading of the social host bill, The Daily Freeman-Journal. However, council members need to pass three readings overall for it become part of the city's code of ordinances.

The new ordinance would hold individuals over the age of 21 accountable for allowing minors to possess or consume alcohol at a party, event or gathering.

"I believe that by reducing the number of places where underage persons can consume alcohol, it will reduce underage drinking and police and emergency-related service calls associated with this activity," Brain Hughes, Webster City police chief, told the news source.

If the new ordinance is passed, individuals will be required to pay a $500 fine for the first offense and $750 for any future occurrences.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, current alcohol use among high school students has decreased from 50 percent in 1999 to 42 percent in 2009.