Mundelein may strengthen underage drinking law

Mundelein village officials are considering strengthening a local law that punishes adults for allowing underage drinking parties or other illegal activity.

If eventually approved, the proposed social hosting ordinance would allow police to go after any people who permit underage drinking on their property or at other locations. The current law applies only to parents.

Hosts allowing illegal drug use also would be punished under the proposal.

Punishments would range from fines of $250 for a first violation to $750 for a third violation or subsequent convictions. Jail time wouldn't be an option.

Following a lengthy discussion Monday night, the board asked police officials and village staffers to clarify elements of the proposal. It will come before the panel again in the future, but a date was not set.

"I think the intention behind it is good, that we need to send a clear message that we will not tolerate adults supplying alcohol to underage drinkers," Trustee Terri Voss said. "As I read this proposed ordinance, though, it is too far reaching."

Voss was particularly concerned about adults who might face fines if someone brings alcohol into their home without their knowledge, such as hidden within a soda can.

She's also afraid the proposal, as written, could be used to establish civil suits against such adults.

Likewise, Trustee Ed Sullivan is concerned the ordinance would prevent teen gatherings of any kind and would punish adults who aren't present when illegal activity occurs.

"(It's) much too strong," he said.

Trustee Ray Semple backed the proposal as presented, but will favor revisions if they satisfy colleagues' concerns.

He called adults who condone underage drinking in their homes "appalling."

"I have zero tolerance for underage drinking in my home," said Semple, who has two teenage children. "Underage drinking, for me, has always been something that gets my blood going."

The village board adopted a parental responsibility ordinance in 1998. Initially, it called for charges against parents or legal guardians if their minor children violated curfew, possessed weapons, possessed or drank alcohol, bought tobacco or committed other crimes.

In 2003, the ordinance was amended to include punishments for parents or guardians who give alcohol to their children or who allow underage drinking.

Lakemoor, Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Park are among the communities that have enacted social hosting ordinances, Mundelein police said.