Social Host

The Social Host Ordinance (SHO): is a law that addresses the problem of underage drinking by making it illegal for anyone to host a party where minors (anyone under the age of 21) are drinking alcoholic beverages. As of July 2010, all cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego County, with the exception of Del Mar, have enacted Social Host Ordinances.

The Consequences: Anyone who hosts a party, gathering or event where minors are consuming alcohol may be…

Cited or arrested
Fined up to $1,000
Incarcerated for up to six months
Billed for police services

Citations in Vista and Oceanside:

The attached brochure provides more information regarding the Social Host Ordinance. This resource is also in Spanish.

NCPC has also developed an Issue Brief on Social Host Ordinances.

Law Enforcement Training: NCPC conducts annual law enforcement training with the Vista Sherrif's Station, Oceanside Police Department and Carlsbad Police Department on enforcing the Social Host Ordinance. The following video is provided as part of the training:

Social Host Ordinance Law Enforcement Training Video

Public Awareness Campaigns: NCPC has implemented several public awareness campaigns to educate the community about the Social Host Ordinance. Campaigns have included the following:

Billboards on Route 78 between Vista and Oceanside

Ads on North County Transit District Buses

Street Banners displayed in the Tri-City area

The North Coastal Prevention Youth Coalition's Youth Voice Project
- The following placards were developed by NCPYC Youth members and displayed in the store aisles of 11 local markets.