Mundelein targets adults who allow illegal activity

Mundelein has become the latest Lake County town to adopt stricter rules that will criminally punish people who allow children to drink or do drugs at parties or other gatherings.

Adopted Monday and effective immediately, the new social-hosting ordinance is designed to hold any adult - not just parents - accountable for events at which kids are drinking or using drugs.

It also expands the kinds of places where such rules can be enforced. The law covers houses, apartments, hotels, parks, banquet halls and other locales. Vehicles such as boats and limousines are even included.

Supported by Police Chief Raymond J. Rose and a local task force that's targeted underage drinking, the ordinance was approved by a 5-1 vote.

Trustee Robin Meier, who leads the village's public safety committee, explained her "no" vote by saying the proposal was "watered down" from an earlier version and complained that the only possible penalties for violations are fines.

Meier also doubts the ordinance will affect whether adults allow minors to drink or use drugs.

"It's more symbolic than it is a real deterrent," she said.

Trustee Ed Sullivan spoke in favor of the plan and was pleased it allows police to charge adults who allow drinking or drug use and not just the kids who are breaking existing drug or drinking laws.

Under the new ordinance, adult hosts must take all "reasonable steps" to prevent drinking or drug use by underage guests.

Adult hosts won't be considered in violation of the law if they call police to remove guests who refuse to follow the rules or if they promptly end events because of such illegal behavior.

The new law does not apply to alcohol consumed for religious ceremonies.

Violators face fines of up to $750.

Gurnee, Grayslake, Lindenhurst and other area towns have adopted similar laws.

Mundelein's new rules supplant a parental responsibility ordinance enacted in 1998.