It's time to advocate! MAAUD, along with several other coalitions throughout the state, is working hard to make sure that the statewide social host bill is written into law during the 2011 legislative session.
What is the Social Host Bill?
• It holds adults liable for knowingly permitting underage drinking parties on their property. The penalty is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000 and or/ jail time.
Why do we need this?
• In 2007, $552 million was spent on underage drinking in Mississippi alone. This includes costs related to violence, traffic crashes, crime, injuries, and treatment.
• In 2009, 24% of Mississippi students reported drinking in the past 30 days, compared to those who report smoking tobacco (13%) or using marijuana (9%).
• In 2007, an estimated 41 traffic fatalities and 500 nonfatal traffic injuries involved underage drinking.
Benefits of passing a Social Host bill in Mississippi:
• Decreases underage drinking-related consequences such as car accidents and fatalities, violence, sexual assaults, and risky behaviors.
• Increases revenues locally and statewide when fines are collected.
• Cost effective strategy
• Reduces the long term impact of underage drinking (95% of adult alcoholics began drinking before age 21)
• Reduces the number of underage drinking parties by holding parents liable for knowingly hosting such parties.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUPPORT THIS ISSUE?
For the most up-to-date information about the bill, be sure to visit us on Facebook!
