Anti-teen drinking effort grows
From the Modesto Bee.
Modesto took the lead, Waterford followed and now a third city, Ceres, is considering taking action to curb teen drinking parties. The Ceres council will vote on the proposal today, which means it could take effect later this summer. That will be too late to affect graduation and Graffiti parties, but underage drinking parties have become a year-round concern. Waterford passed the ordinance earlier this month, making it effective June 16. So far, the approach is the same — penalties of $500 for the first offense by adults who host parties at which teens are allowed to drink. Family gatherings are excluded. Eventually, we hope all nine cities and Stanislaus County will adopt the same ordinance. Consistency will make it fair and will send a unified message against underage drinking and the irresponsible adults — some parents, some older siblings and friends — who allow it.