West Des Moines, IA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- West Des Moines Police Department
- First offense penalty
- $500 civil penalty
- Second offense penalty
- $750 civil penalty
- Third+ offense penalty
- $1,000 civil penalty
- Host presence required
- No, liability applies even if absent
- Governing ordinance
- Ord. 1788, adopted 12-3-2007
Summary
In the City of West Des Moines, a social host who hosts an event, gathering or party is liable if an underage guest drinks, whether or not the host is present. Civil penalties escalate from $500 to $1,000 per offense, and the city can also bill the host for police and EMS costs.
It is unlawful for any social host to host an event, gathering, or party on premises when the person knows or reasonably should know that an underage person has consumed an alcoholic beverage, or possessed an alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it, and the person fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the possession or consumption by the underage person. A social host who hosts such an event, gathering, or party does not have to be present at the time the prohibited act occurs. ... A five hundred dollar ($500.00) civil penalty shall be imposed for a social host's first offense. A seven hundred fifty dollar ($750.00) civil penalty shall be imposed for a social host's second offense. A one thousand dollar ($1,000.00) civil penalty shall be imposed for a social host's third or subsequent offense. In addition, the city may seek reimbursement for enforcement services provided by emergency responders related to the event, gathering, or party.
Full Breakdown
Under West Des Moines City Code chapter 4-9, it is unlawful for any social host to host an event, gathering, or party on premises when the host knows or reasonably should know that an underage person (under 21) has consumed or possessed alcohol with intent to consume, and the host fails to take reasonable steps to prevent it. Liability does not require the host to be present when the violation occurs. "Social host" reaches the person who owns, rents, leases or controls the premises and the person who organized the event; if the social host is a juvenile, the juvenile's parents are jointly and severally liable.
"Event, gathering, or party" means three or more people assembled for a social occasion where an underage person consumed or possessed alcohol. The chapter exempts conduct solely between an underage person and their own parents in the parents' household, legally protected religious observances, and situations where a minor lawfully possesses alcohol in the course of employment. The West Des Moines Police Department has primary, but not exclusive, enforcement responsibility. Violations are municipal infractions under Title 1, Chapter 4, and repeated violations may be weighed by the city against any license the host holds.
Violations & Fines
A social host's first offense draws a $500 civil penalty, the second offense $750, and a third or subsequent offense $1,000. The city may also seek reimbursement for enforcement services, meaning the salaries and benefits of police, fire and EMS personnel who respond to the event plus any equipment repair or medical treatment costs tied to the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the host have to be at the party to be liable in West Des Moines?
Can a parent be held responsible for a teenager's party?
What happens on a second or third social host violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Des Moines
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