Lake Minnetonka strikes back against underage drinking

Over the Fourth of July weekend on Lake Minnetonka there were five medical calls--four of which were related to underage drinking, according to police. 39 tickets were given out for the same offense.

It's been a problem for a while, authorities say, but now the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District is fighting back with a new ordinance meant to curb underage drinking on and around the water.

Boat owners and operators will now be charged with a misdemeanor if they are present while anyone under 21 is caught drinking, in an attempt to curb problem behavior before it begins. 

Howard Point Marina also changed its age requirement for boat rentals from 23 to 24 years old, and employees say they've already noticed a change in clientele.

The ordinance is in effect and will be enforced all year round.