Merced Municipal Code Ch. 9.65 Hosting Parties Where Alcohol Is Consumed by Persons Under the Age Of…

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the hosting or allowance of parties under the circumstances prescribed herein. This chapter is not intended to address matters involving alcohol beverages where separately regulated under state or local law.

(Ord. 2284 § 1 (part), 2007).

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this chapter only, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning set forth below:

"Alcohol" means ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl, or spirits of wine from whatever source or by whatever process produced.

"Alcoholic beverage" means and includes alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every liquid or solid containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer, and which contains one-half of one (1) percent or more of alcohol by volume and which is fit for beverage purposes either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with other substances.

"Party" means any number of persons who are assembling for a social occasion, gathering, activity, or event.

(Ord. 2284 § 1 (part), 2007).

No person may allow or host a party at any property under his or her control where person(s) under the age of twenty-one (21) are present and alcoholic beverages are in the possession of, or are being consumed by, any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.

(Ord. 2284 § 1 (part), 2007).

This chapter shall not apply to conduct involving the use of alcoholic beverages that occurs exclusively between persons under the age of twenty-one (21) and his or her parent or legal guardian, pursuant to rights guaranteed by Article I, Section 4, of the California Constitution.

(Ord. 2284 § 1 (part), 2007).

It is unlawful and a misdemeanor, subject to punishment in accordance with Chapter 1.12 of this code, for any person to violate any provision of this chapter.

(Ord. 2284 § 1 (part), 2007).