This is will allow for AMAZINGLY blatant violations of illegal search and seizure protections as outlined by our Bill of Rights!
In Carpinteria, the new ordinance -- which so far has not been put to use -- means that when authorities stop a party by knocking on the door,
they’re no longer limited to merely suggesting that the revelers turn down the music. Now, they can detain anybody on the premises who appears to be
a minor, and ask them to show ID, he said.
The Carpinteria ordinance defines "party" as any gathering with five or more people. If at least two of the drinkers are minors, the deputies can
issue citations.
Source
This is the basis for the new Santa Barbara law...
County leaders targeted underage drinking at house parties with a 4-1 vote on Tuesday to draft legislation that could levy civil and criminal
penalties against party hosts, parents and others responsible for property where minors are caught drinking alcohol.
Known as a social host ordinance, the legislation would supplement laws already on the books that make furnishing alcohol to a minor
illegal.
Second source
In Santa Barbara,CA, they are about to enact a law that allows police to enter a home on the MERE SUSPICION that there is underage drinking going on.
This was brought about because police could not just enter a home unless they received enough noise complaints.
This is only presented as allowing the police to fine property owners for parties on their property by underage drinkers. Seems fair, right?
Well, beyond those basic arguments, let's remember that in California, you are required to ask I.D. for anyone who appears under the age of 30 years
old. So that means the police can enter the home of ANYONE they feel looks under 30, if the home is believed to have alcohol in it! They will then
have to see EVERY I.D. in the premises!
So what keeps them from then searching for other violations? From running every I.D.? This is not about underage drinking! (I'm neither underage, or
a drinker) It's about YOUR AND MY RIGHTS!!! You worry about the laws our Government is passing, this is how they will get to us!
FLAG this thread! This is AMAZINGLY BRAZEN! Conspiracies aren't fulfilled overnight people, it's in these little steps that they take away our
rights!!!
Edit to better declare this an opinion that this leads to future Gestapo type actions.
Corrected by semperfortis...
I proffer that this law allows police easier access to your home. It may not stand up to a Constitutional challenge, but it will amount to a lot of
harassment until someone can afford to fight it.
So Now the police are saying that 5 people, one of whom looks underage, and one beer in that residence, equals a police "probable cause" to see
every resident, and see every I.D. Refusal to do so will equate with a guilty plea, and allow the fines to begin.
This is not necessarily a violation of the 4th amendment, but leaves open the door for SERIOUS misuse of this law. I do not wish to be harassed in my
home, under the guise of preventing underage drinking.
This has been an EDITED OP.
[edit on 26-7-2008 by jasonjnelson]