PALMVIEW - A new ordinance targeting enablers of underage drinking is in effect in Palmview.

City commissioners approved the ordinance Tuesday night.

Palmview Police Chief Christopher Barrera said officers are often times called out to a loud music complaint and find a number of minors partying and drinking, and minors are cited accordingly.

Barrera said many parents inside the home say they weren’t aware of the incident. This prevents officers from ticketing them.

The new ordinance changes that.

“A majority of the cases couldn’t get prosecuted because the homeowner said they weren’t aware and they stuck to their story. It was hard to actually charge the adult for allowing it to happen. In this case, it allows the officer to determine whether or not you were aware,” he said.

A citation under the new ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.

Palmview is the first city in the Rio Grande Valley to pass the ruling.