The Mercer Island city council has moved to fine parents whose children are caught drinking under age.

KOMO News reports that the council approved the ordinance 6-1 earlier this month after lobbying from a community advocacy group called Mercer Island Communities That Care Program.

The new underage drinking ordinance will take effect next month. Under the "social host" law, parents and homeowners will be held accountable, liable, and slapped with a hefty fine for underage drinking that happens on their property whether they know about it or not.

Group director Derek Franklin says the ordinance is aimed at deterrence, and showing the city is serious to crack down on underage drinking.

Parents and homeowners will face a civil infraction and be forced to pay a $250 ticket each time the ordinance is violated.