The Petaluma Coalition to Prevent Underage and High-Risk Drinking is a local community group working to reduce problems associated with underage and high risk drinking in Petaluma. Petaluma teens are engaging in high-risk drinking more than their counterparts at the state level. Teen drinking leads to many serious issues, including accidents; injuries and alcohol poisoning; learning and behavior problems; and problems with friends, school and work. Recent research indicates that teen drinking has a significant impact on brain development and those who consume alcohol at a young age have a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol later in life (The Adolescent Brain and College Drinker: Biological Basis of Propensity to Use and Misuse Alcohol. Spear, L.; 2002. Journal of Studies on Alcohol).

The Coalition is responding to this problem by implementing a Parent/Community Pledge campaign, facilitating passage of a Social Host Ordinance (SHO), and collaborating with local businesses and city government to pass an Alcohol Beverage Sales (ABS) Ordinance. To learn more:

…Parent/Community Pledge
…Social Host Ordinance
…Alcohol Nuisance Related Ordinance
…How to get involved in the Coalition

About the Parent/Community Pledge

The Parent/Community Pledge is part of a bigger picture to create a community-wide change in the way people think about teen drinking. Making the Pledge will reduce the likelihood of teens having access to alcohol in Petaluma homes. As increasing numbers of community members join the Pledge campaign, youth binge drinking rates and the corresponding impact on teen health and social problems will decrease.

The Pledge is also linked to a broader policy strategy which includes a Social Host Ordinance. This ordinance holds the adult host(s) of teen parties accountable for nuisance behavior resulting from underage drinking parties occurring on their property.

What the Pledge Says:

• I will not serve minors, nor will I allow youth under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol or use other drugs in my home or on my property.
• When hosting a youth party, I will be home, be visible, and be aware.
• I will not allow teen parties or gatherings in my home when I am not there.
• I will share the information in this pledge with my child/children.

Recommendations for Hosting/Supervising Events

• Make sure alcohol is not accessible to teens.
• Encourage by invitation only parties.
• Let guests who leave the party know that they may not return.
• Call the parents of any youth who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Help anyone who is under the influence to get home safely.
• Call the police if the party gets out of control.
• Tell your teens you signed this Pledge and what it means.
• Designate a responsible adult to supervise your teen when you are out of town or unavailable.
• When your teen is invited to a party, contact the adult in charge to verify:

o The location and hours of the party.
o That there will be adult supervision.
o That no alcohol or other drugs will be served or allowed.

• When your teen gets home from a party, check in with him/her.

To join other community members in signing the 2007/2008 Parent/Community Pledge complete the form below:
Word Document Pledge Form Download

Resources