SSPPD steps up efforts against underage drinking
Increased law enforcement leads to more citations. Community groups continue efforts to combat problem.
Mary Diedrick Hansen
Staff Writer
South St. Paul remains serious about changing community attitudes and perceptions about underage drinking. A school curriculum urges students to make healthy choices, and community collaborations, such as South St. Paul’s Healthy Youth Coalition and the Mayor’s Youth Task Force, promote anti-drinking marketing campaigns. Even this summer’s Kaposia Days festival took a stand against hard liquor at festival events.
Despite these efforts, Police Chief Dan Vujovich said the city is on track to exceed the number of underage drinking busts by the police this year.
"This is in part because there is a greater focus on the problem," said Vujovich. "Police on bikes have been good at arriving undetected at some of these parties. When police enforcement is focused on a particular crime, the number of incidents tends to rise."
For example, police were called to a loud party on May 31 in the 300 block of Eighth Avenue, where 27 people were cited for underage drinking. The city’s first "Social Host Ordinance" citation was issued to the 19-year-old host, holding him criminally responsible for knowingly serving alcohol to underage youth. Police conducted breathalyzer tests. Those under 18 testing positive were released to their parents. Those over 18 but under the legal drinking age of 21 were tested to see whether they could get home safely on their own. All underage drinkers received citations and must appear in court.
Are the efforts to curb underage consumption working?
"It’s hard to know how many parties were avoided, or how many parties might have chosen to have alcohol, but opted out, because of the programs," said Vujovich. "There were some good kids at the party. They made a bad choice. Hopefully they will learn and make better choices in the future. I also hope when they reach the age of 21 they will still make good choices about the amount of consumption, and when and where."
The new social host ordinance has been in effect for one year. Has it had an effect?
"You just never know," said Vujovich. "There is one property that has a history of causing trouble, a real party house. Once the social ordinance went into effect, it’s been very quiet. Coincidence?"
Mikki Hoium of the South St. Paul Healthy Youth Community Coalition said she is pleased that enforcement is strengthening.
"Active police enforcement is vital in controlling underage drinking, and the consequences that can result," she said. "What is unfortunate is that negative events like this (May 31 party) get so much press. It leads to false assumptions. First of all, of the 27 arrested, just seven were high school students.
"The amount of collaboration going on in the city is unusual at this level," she added. "New collaboration and partnerships are increasing. I am seeing tremendous growth in students and parents involved. It’s all the more reason to push forward with what we are doing."
