Hosts liable for underage drinking on Maui

Maui County Council unanimously approved a bill that will make the host of a Maui gathering at home or another private residence liable for illegal underage drinking.

In efforts to protect public health and reduce the costs of emergency response services, the council voted 9-0 during its meeting Friday afternoon to approve the social host bill on second and final reading. It will take effect Sept. 1 on Maui island.

Molokai and Lanai received exemptions from the rule in a 5-4 council vote last month due to “unintended consequences the bill would have on communities of those island,” said Council member Mike Molina as he read the details of the bill Friday.

Violating Maui’s social host ordinance, will carry a $200 civil fine for the first violation, $500 for second violation and $1,000 for third violation within a 12-month period. Subsequent violations within the same 12-month period may require reimbursement of police, fire or other emergency response service costs.

Read more: https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2021/02/hosts-liable-for-underage-drinking/