SAN CLEMENTE : City OKs $125 Fine for Unruly Parties
Rowdy party hosts may soon face a $125 fine if police are called to quell loud, disruptive gatherings more than once.
In a unanimous vote, the City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to the fee that hosts would be required to pay if police are summoned to the same party two or more times. The fee will help the Police Department recover some of its costs related to unruly parties, officials said.
Police Chief Albert C. Ehlow said responding more than once to loud parties not only costs the department, but often keeps officers from responding to more serious crime activity.
In a 10-month period starting last June, police responded to 1,175 calls complaining of loud parties more than once.
“It is anticipated that the fee will increase an incentive for responsible parties to cooperate on the first response by police,” Ehlow said in a report to the City Council.
On a first response to a party disturbance call, officers will warn the host that a second response will carry the fine, Ehlow said.
Officials expect to raise about $60,000 in the next fiscal year with the new fine.
At least seven other police departments in Orange County have similar ordinances, with fines ranging from $90 to $330 for a second response.
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