Ramona Sheriff's Substation Stepping Up Underage Drinking Patrols

Deputies at the Ramona Sheriff's Substation are stepping up patrols to prevent underage drinking. As seniors graduate from high school over the next two weeks, deputies will be on the lookout for minors in possession of alcohol and anyone violating the Social Host ordinance. 

It is illegal to provide alcohol and host underage drinking parties in San Diego County. Sheriff's Deputies will be cracking down. If you host an underage drinking party you will be arrested and booked in jail. 

Last year, 29 people were cited or arrested for violating the county's Social Host ordinance. 

The department will also use grant money from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to conduct undercover and compliance operations to ensure local retailers are not selling alcohol to minors. 

A Social Host is anyone who knowingly hosts underage drinking parties on property they own, lease or otherwise control. The Social Host ordinance assigns responsibility to those who knew or should have known an underage drinking party was occurring on their property. 

Violators face up to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail or both. You can also be billed for law enforcement services and held liable for injuries sustained by third parties. 

You can report underage drinking parties to the Sheriff's Department 24 hours per day. Call our non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200. 

Teens who learn about a party on social media can also call the Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line or Students Speaking Out Hotline at (888) 580-8477. You could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. 

Watch for the deputies out on patrol throughout Ramona during this graduation season. They are looking out for the well-being of everyone in our community. Let's help our graduates celebrate in a safe and healthy way. 

Let's make it a safe summer. Don't serve alcohol to teens. It's unsafe, illegal and irresponsible. Start the conversation with your teens by visitingwww.sdsheriff.net/social-host. 

For questions about the Social Host ordinance, call Sheriff's Crime Prevention Specialist Barbara Wallace at (760) 738-2425.

—San Diego County Sheriff's Department