§ 9.10.010. Purpose, findings.

The Commission finds consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors at parties, or gatherings where minors consume alcoholic beverages, presents numerous problems for the City of Great Falls, Montana, minors, and law enforcement. Specifically:

A.

Alcohol abuse is linked to numerous other health and life issues for our youth, including, but certainly not limited to, sexual assault, unprotected sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, physical assault, and academic difficulties.

B.

The Commission of the City of Great Falls, Montana, further finds and declares that the purpose of the ordinance is:

1.

to protect public health, safety, and general welfare;

2.

to enforce laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by minors;

3.

to reduce the cost of providing police services to parties, gatherings, or events that call for a response by requiring that social hosts ensure minors are not consuming alcoholic beverages; and, under Montana Code Annotated §§ 7-1-4123 and 7-1-4124, the Great Falls City Commission has the legislative power, subject to the provisions of state law, to adopt, amend, and repeal ordinances and resolutions required to:

i.

preserve the peace and order and secure freedom from dangerous and noxious activities; and,

ii.

secure and promote the general public health and welfare.

C.

Further, MCA 7-32-4302 provides, in pertinent part, that the City of Great Falls has the power to prevent and punish intoxication, loud noises, disorderly conduct, and acts or conduct calculated to disturb the public peace or which are offensive to public morals within its limits.

(Ord. 3158, 2017; Ord. No. 3044, 2009)