Macon “House party” ordinance supporters working on revisions

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb commissioners still have questions about the “Social Host” ordinance, but Macon Safe Decisions is ready to rework the details and create a law that helps the county.

Volunteer Macon presented the “Social Host” Ordinance to Macon-Bibb Commissioners Tuesday morning. It would make it illegal for property owners to let anyone who is underage drink alcohol on their property. Even if the property owner isn’t present, they would be responsible for a fine up to $500.

“To hold the building owner responsible for what people do inside their apartment, in terms of underage drinking, is unreasonable,” said Josh Wypasek, the Property Manager of Broadway Lofts on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The Social Host Ordinance claims landlords have a duty to prevent unruly parties on private property they lease to tenants even if they do not have day to day, physical control.

“We’ve already identified some issues that we can tell the commissioners have with language,” explained Michael Yanosy from Macon Safe Decisions.

The ordinance proposal states it would be unlawful for a Macon-Bibb property owner to allow persons under age 21 to possess or consume alcoholic beverages on their property.

“It actually held the city to be responsible if a bunch of kids got in Rosa Park and started drinking, well, we own the park. We’re civilly liable,” said Commissioner Scotty Shepherd.

Commissioner Al Tilman confirmed he’s sponsoring the ordinance. He’s been working with Macon Safe Decisions for six months.

“Commissioner Tilman got very excited about the work we were doing and decided that we really wanted to take this step and move forward,” said Yanosy.

The team is looking into changing the language of the proposal so commissioners and property owners feel comfortable with it.

“We would have to put in a stipulation in the lease that would say that management will charge the resident for us being fined because we don’t want to come out of pocket for someone’s stupidity,” explained Wypasek.

A concern Macon Safe Decisions understands.

“This is one of those moments where it’s really important that everyone speaks their mind and that the community takes action to tailor the ordinance as we need it,” said Yanosy.

Ordinance supporters say the results are worth the time spent revising.

“Effectively written Social Host Ordinances absolutely decrease the number of underage drinking events and the size of underage drinking events,” explained Yanosy.

Commissioner Tilman doesn’t know when the ordinance will be ready for a committee to review.