Days after the Sheriff’s Department sent out a warning about serving alcohol to minors, a man was cited for violating San Marcos’ social host ordinance.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, a deputy was responding to a tresspassing call at a home on Linda Vista Drive early Saturday morning. When the deputy arrived, people began to leave in several cars. The deputy found a large amount of beer and liquor bottles on the kitchen counter and refrigerator.
The Sheriff’s Department says Jerome Spruille, 24, told the deputy that he rented the house for two days for a prom party for his brother and 40 other students from Helix High School. Spruille also said the students were underage and he provided them with alcohol. Spruille was arrested, cited and released.
The Sheriff’s Department is again reminding teens and parents to be safe, smart and responsible this prom and graduation season. Under Social Host rules, there are serious consequences for parents or other adults who allow teens and their friends to consume alcohol in their homes. A social host does not have to be 21 years of age to be in violation of the law. The homeowner or property owner can be held liable for cost recovery. Social host violations may carry a fine of up to $1,000 on the first offense.
Subsequent violations carry a fine of up to $2,000 or up to 32 hours of community service or up to 6 months in jail. You may also be held liable for injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the minor guest’s negligence. A social host can also be liable for the cost of responding law enforcement services.
