Reg Hardware

Post: Gaming host ordinance next?

skeptical i

Gaming host ordinance next? 

In Censor to challenge Manhunt 2 release in court

Thumb Down

In my state (one of the 50 more or less United ones) TPTB have enacted a "social host" ordinance to try to curb underage drinking ("underage" = < 21 years old). Under this ordinance any adult who facilitates or enables underage drinking (e.g., turns a blind eye to the kids cracking some beer while playing Xbox, doesn't keep the youngsters away from the keg at family gatherings, leaves the kids at home alone knowing there is either access to or likelihood of procuring of alcohol by said kids, &c) can face charges. While I admire the intent (parents should not let their kids get drunk and stupid), I don't like the result (if parents want to allow their kids to have a drink or two along with the adults at a well- supervised family celebration, what's the harm?). I wonder if TPTB will try something similar with 18 cert games, with Big Brother/ Nanny State bringing down enforcement wrath on adults who "enable" or "facilitate" the playing of these games by minors.