HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Commission held their weekly business meeting late Thursday morning and unanimously approved a Social Host Ordinance on first reading.
A Social Host Ordinance has been in place in Havre for over a decade. This Ordinance would extend to areas in Hill County outside of city limits.
A Social Host Ordinance makes it a criminal offense for adults to provide alcohol or a location for a social gathering featuring underage drinking. Consequences can include fines and a misdemeanor, although the Commission said they would like to see the Ordinance used more for educational purposes, especially for first offenses.
Susan Brurud of Bear Paw Development and Dr. Jack Bieger of MSU-Northern spoke in support of the ordinance during the public comment portion of the meeting.
A second reading is scheduled for April 1st. The Commission says they will publicly release the proposed ordinance and would appreciate comments before the second reading is held.
