It is now a misdemeanor in St. Cloud to host a party where underage drinking is present. Last month, the city council unanimously approved three drinking ordinances. Ordinances take effect 30 days after approval in St. Cloud, making Wednesday the start of the new laws. The ordinances are part of a widespread attempt to promote responsible drinking in St. Cloud.

The first new ordinance is the social host ordinance. Under the law, party hosts will be held responsible regardless of whether they provided the alcohol or simply allowed it in their homes. Other drinking ordinances now in effect in St. Cloud include the intoxication ordinance, which establishes penalties for people who are drunk and behaving disruptively in public. The final new ordinance limits drink specials at city bars and restaurants.