Schuyler approves social host law

SCHUYLER COUNTY--After a brief public hearing, the Schuyler County Legislature passed the Schuyler County Social Host Law that prohibits the consumption of drugs or alcohol by minors on private premises. Prior to the board passing the resolution, Odessa Montour Senior Aidan Thurston spoke in favor of the new law.
"There is a preconceived notion in this community that underage drinking is a rite of passage," said Thurston, who is also a member of the Schuyler County Coalition against Underage Drinking and Drugs. "Science has proven that substance use amongst teens is a serious health risk. The brain is still developing until the age of 25, and underage drinking can hinder development."
While speaking in favor of the new law, Thurston encouraged the legislature to go even further. He said the inclusion of alcohol at many local events can give the impression that its use is not serious or harmful, especially to younger residents.
Despite being passed, the law requires a 30-day grace period once the state acknowledges receipt of the law. It is expected to take about two months to go into effect.
The legislature also passed a resolution urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to modify the pending COVID-19 mandate for all healthcare workers. The resolution states, "many healthcare facilities across the Finger Lakes region have indicated that significant numbers of their staff have threatened to resign effective Sept. 26, 2021 rather than be forced to receive the vaccine...smaller counties, especially those in rural areas, have struggled with access to health care and healthcare workers, a problem prior to the pandemic and made worse by the COVID-19 crisis."
While encouraging residents to get vaccinated if eligible, the resolution suggests offering more frequent testing requirements as an alternative to the mandate.