San Diego County Sheriff's deputies say their crackdown on underage drinking parties in Vista last weekend was a success. Officials say the city's social host ordinance is having a deterrent effect.
Every city in the County except Del Mar has a social host ordinance. These laws make it illegal for parents to host underage drinking parties. Violators face fines and up to six months in jail.
San Diego Sheriff's Lt. Pete Callewaert said that over the weekend in Vista deputies went to 38 parties and issued two social host citations.
"This weekend," said the lieutenant, "We did not have any injuries or fatalities involving minors who were under the influence of alcohol. And so I see that as a good sign."
An Escondido woman was recently fined more than $1600 for hosting an underage drinking party. Between 2006 and 2009, there were 80 social host citations issued countywide.
