Michigan City Ordinance Would Hold Parents Responsible for Teen Parties

Kalamazoo officials are considering a new ordinance that would make adults responsible for policing what happens at youth parties in their homes.

The proposal comes after the severe beating of a 16-year-old boy at an unsupervised house party. The teen has since recovered, but supporters told the Kalamazoo Gazette the ordinance is needed to prevent future incidents.

Kalamazoo City Commissioner Stephanie Moore requested the ordinance making people who control the site of a youth party responsible for “underage use of intoxicants, controlled substances or weapons.”

Infractions would be punishable by up to a $500 fine. Supporters think the ordinance would spur adults to pay closer attention to what happens at parties in their homes.

State lawmakers in Tennessee considered a similar measure this year.

Latest Comments

• September 23, 2009 at 10:44 am

  wudchuck says:

  yes, they are responsible for their children. even though they might hold a party at the house, how are they going to be responsible for everyone's actions? they need to set r... read more
• September 23, 2009 at 9:30 am

  Dave says:

  Already most courts would hold parents liable. And most insurance companies would pay rather than go to a jury trial. this law should make Parents and guardians more aware of ... read more
• September 22, 2009 at 1:30 am

  KMO says:

  So they think $500 will get anyone's attention? I think not. I thought they should be responsible for them without the state telling them this. But it seems a lot of the gener... read more