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 hung in the Tri-City area
- The Youth Voice Campaign
If you’re interested in reading specific North San Diego County city ordinances, please click on the links below: