Please find information below on Escondido’s ordinances
The Social Host Ordinance
What is a Social Host? A social host, or responsible person, is the person or entity who owns, rents, leases, or otherwise has control of the premises where a party takes place; the person(s) who organized or otherwise makes the premises available for the party; or a person who is the parent or guardian of a minor in attendance at the party.
The Social Host Ordinance was created to increase protective factors and send a message to any above 18-years of age that it is unlawful for minors to consume alcoholic beverages, cannabis, and controlled substances.
A violation shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not to exceed six months, or by both fine and imprisonment. If a law enforcement official determines that there is a threat to the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare during such an event, the responsible person shall be liable for the cost of law enforcement services. It is the duty of any responsible person to take all reasonable steps to prevent the unlawful consumption of alcoholic beverages, cannabis, or controlled substances by a minor at a party including verification of age and controlling substances.
What are some steps that you can take to be a Responsible Host?
Verify the age of all of your guests
Control and monitor access to alcohol, marijuana, and/or vape products for those under 21
Supervise any minors (under 21 years of age)
As a homeowner/tenant ensure that your minor is not left unsupervised
If you suspect that underage drinking and/or drug use is taking place at someone’s private property, please call 9-1-1 to report a Social Host; you must be clear in stating that you suspect youth could be in danger due to underage drinking/drug use is taking place— Your call could save a youth’s life!
Please download and/or save our ‘Safe Party Planner’ to ensure that you have a plan for all of yours guests to have a great time and ensure you are prepared to host responsibly. The Safe Party Planner images can be found HERE and an informational pdf with more information can be found HERE.
To learn more about the City of Escondido’s Social Host City Ordinance/Code, please click the “Learn More” button below.
AUMA (Adult Use Marijuana Act) and Escondido’s Marijuana Ordinance
AUMA - KNOW THE FACTS
Under the Adult Use Marijuana Act, adults 21 and older can:
Smoke marijuana in a private residence
Possess 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana (hash)
Each residence could grow up to 6 plants- in an area that is locked and not visible from public view
A landlord can ban the cultivation, possession and smoking of marijuana on their private property
Smoking in public is a fine of $100 and $250 where tobacco is banned
Smoking while driving is illegal (driver or passengers)
Driving high (ingesting marijuana or marijuana products) can result in a DUI
Escondido’s Marijuana Ordinance - KNOW THE FACTS
Cannabis use and activities of any kind are prohibited in the City of Escondido. Permits and licenses regarding the establishment or operation of cannabis related activities or uses, will not be approved or authorized. The exemptions include personal use and transportation. Individuals are not prohibited to use cannabis in their personal residence, provided that the event occurs within the residence and is not visible to the public.
A cannabis business with a valid license can transport cannabis or cannabis products on public roads through the city of Escondido to another destination outside of the city limits. This is in compliance with the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. Both commercial and medical cannabis cannot be delivered to any residence, office, commercial or any other place in the city limits.
Additionally, smoking in public is a fine of $100 and $250 where tobacco is banned (please see Tobacco ordinance information below).
To learn more about AUMA and the California state law, please click the “Learn more” button below.
To learn more about the City of Escondido’s Marijuana Ordinance/Code, please click the “Learn More” button below.
Just because marijuana is legal, does not mean it is safe — Especially for youth or persons struggling with mental health and/or other difficult life circumstances.
Escondido’s Smoke & Vape Free Outdoor Dining Ordinance
The City Council of the City of Escondido recognizes the negative health effects of using tobacco products both from smoking and secondhand exposure and wishes to promote healthier lifestyles. Moreover, to protect one’s right to clean air. In order to accomplish such change, the city has regulated where smoking is allowed. Within the City of Escondido it is unlawful to smoke in any public open space or trail, including designating parking; any outdoor public space within the public right-of-way; any City-owned parking lot; any outdoor community event on all public property, when open to the public; within 80 feet of the entrance, exit, or operable window of a City owned or operated building; any dining area within 25 feet of the entrance, exit, or operable window of any dining area; and within 25 feet of any public place where a sign is posted prohibiting smoking in such area. Individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to use or possess tobacco products. A violation of the listed provisions will result in penalization.
What does smoke and vape free mean? Smoking and vaping is prohibited at ALL outdoor restaurant patios where food and beverages are served, including bars and within 25-feet of the dining area
-Smoking and tobacco use, includes cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, hookah, snuff and any electronic device that delivers nicotine or other vaporized liquids.
-Smoking is prohibited in the following places:
Public open space, park or trail, including public and city owned parking lots
Outdoor public space, including roads, alleyways, sidewalks, entryways, waiting areas, bus stops, train platforms and boarding areas
Outdoor community event on public property, such as farmers' markets, exhibits, parades, concerts, performances, and other temporary use activities.
80 feet from an entrance, exit, or operable window of City-owned or operated building, including parking lots
Outdoor dining areas and within 25 feet of the entrance, exist, or window
1st violation: Anyone who smokes or vapes at an outdoor restaurant patio could receive a fine of $100.
2nd violation: A second violation within the first year is a $250. Additional violations within the first year are $500.
Policy Related Resources
The Alcohol Policy Information System is a project launched by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and provides quick and reliable information on underage drinking, as well as alcohol and marijuana policy information by topic.
The Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) is the government entity that oversees alcohol licensees, establishes regulations, enforces, and provides oversight of any/all alcohol retailer licensees. The ABC works with Law Enforcement to prevent licensees from selling to minors, as well as reduce access of alcohol through the Minor Decoy Program. The ABC also works with Law Enforcement agencies to prevent customers from purchasing alcohol for minors through the Shoulder Tap Program.
Since Marijuana is legal for recreational consumption by adults 21+, it is important to know the harms and talk to young people about marijuana abstinence. The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is the government agency which oversees marijuana (like the ABC, but for marijuana specifically), is still sorting out is youth prevention efforts but does stress the importance of Talking to Young People about Marijuana. To learn more about the DCC marijuana laws and regulations, click here.
To learn more about how the Tobacco industry uses flavored nicotine to hook kids/youth and related resources, please check out the Flavors Hook Kids website. An additional site with resources for vaping and e-cigarettes can be found here.