Franklin Co. BOC Tables Social Host Ordinance

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Franklin County Commissioners say they don’t know when, if ever, they will consider a request to institute a social host ordinance.

At its work session last week, the Franklin County Commission was basically mum on a request for an update on the issue from Carmen Westbrook, Community Involvement Specialist for the non-profit group, Hearts for Families.

In March, Westbrook approached Franklin County Commissioners about adopting a social host ordinance, which would place responsibility on an adult who allows underage drinking in their home and/or provides alcohol to minors on their property.

“A social host ordinance gives adults accountability,” Westbrook told the Board in March. “It’s written specific to each community, but it could provide control access to alcohol to those under 21. It’s not illegal for adults to have a liquor cabinet, but if they are not attending that alcohol, it’s very easy for youth to access that alcohol.”

Westbrook said a social host ordinance would also give officers called to a home where there is underage drinking more authority to cite the adults who allowed the minors to have alcohol.

At that time, Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas spoke out in favor of such an ordinance.

So did Franklin County Clerk of Court Missy Holbrooks.

“Since I’ve taken office, the juvenile caseload has increased tremendously,” she told the Board. “So we do need some kind of ordinance or understanding for the juveniles and their families that this is not acceptable. And we would ask you to please ask the county attorney to draw up an ordinance so this can go forward.”

But Tuesday night, Franklin County Commission Chair Thomas Bridges said since Westbrook’s March presentation, the Board had tabled the matter and not discussed or considered a social host ordinance further.

Holbrooks then asked for clarification from the board on its position regarding Westbrook’s request.

“Do y’all know when you’re going to revisit it or are you going to revisit it?” Holbrooks asked.

“I can’t answer that question,” Bridges replied. “If we have some questions or concerns we’ll do it, but
not at the present time.”

“So it’s just dead in the water then?” Holbrooks asked Bridges.

“It’s just sittin’ there,” Bridges said.

In March, Franklin County Commissioner Jeff Jacques asked for examples of the Social Host ordinance instituted by other Georgia counties.

However, he told the board last Tuesday he had no questions and there was no indication any examples of the ordinance had been reviewed by board members.