Cited Mercer Island dad mulls challenging social host ordinance

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — When Greg James left his 16-year-old son home alone a couple weeks ago and took his younger children skiing, he knew some of the boy’s friends would come by the house.

“He was going to invite five to seven friends to play ping pong,” said James.

But word spread quickly among other teens and soon, James’ home was packed. Soon Mercer Island police came to the home and cited five teens for underage drinking.

“I think it just kind of spiraled out of control,” James said. “So, although I’m kind of disappointed in him, because I know he’s a 16-year-old and these things happen…”

James has become the first person in Mercer Island to be cited under the nearly 2-month-old “social host ordinance.” He will be fined $250 because underage drinking took place at his home, even though he was not present at the time.

“Fining parents? I mean, you know, to me, it’s like what are you going to do next?” said James. “You could fine a View full post on “drunk” News