Central Marin Police Authority officers spent part of Halloween weekend breaking up large teen gatherings in Larkspur, San Anselmo and Corte Madera.
What happened
On Friday night, officers responded to several gatherings, and alcohol was present at some of them. One intoxicated girl was released to her parents, and another young person needed a medical evaluation. Officers issued one citation under the Social Host Ordinance in Larkspur.
On Saturday, Halloween night, police got more complaints about gatherings in Corte Madera and San Anselmo. Officers broke up groups of teens, some of whom had come from a neighboring jurisdiction. The police authority thanked parents who helped keep the weekend safe.
What the social host rule says
The Central Marin Police Authority covers Corte Madera, Larkspur and San Anselmo, and the three towns share a Social Host Accountability Ordinance. It makes it unlawful to host or allow a party or gathering where minors drink alcohol or use marijuana or other controlled substances. Under the town code, police can treat a violation as a misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $1,000, or as an administrative penalty.
Under the code text, administrative fines are $750 for a first violation, $850 for a second within 12 months, and $1,000 for each later violation. A hearing officer can order community service instead. When the violator is a juvenile, the teen and their parents or guardians are jointly responsible for the fine. Fines for juveniles can be waived after the teen completes a diversion program.