UNDERAGE DRINKING…PLEASE SHARE:
Suffolk Legislature, and Police Department turn off the tap on underage drinking parties. What every PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW:
1. It is against the law for an adult to serve or allow alcohol to be served to children other than his own. It’s called the Social Host Law and is meant to discourage underage drinking at parties.
2. An amendment, sponsored by Legislator Cilmi and Legislator Martinez and supported by the Police Department was passed unanimously by the Legislature last night making the first offense a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. A second offense is punishable by up to a $1000 fine and up to a year in jail.
3. Police Officers may now charge this misdemeanor crime based on evidence and do not HAVE TO personally witness the activity. Naturally, an officer must have ample evidence to make a charge, which could be a variety of things, and just like any other crime, the accused has due process in a court.
4. An adult, defined by anyone over the age of 18 (so brothers and sisters are included) who is in control of a premises, upon being made aware that there is underage drinking going on, must take reasonable corrective action to cause the underage drinking to stop. Removing any visible alcohol (kegs, etc.), making sure anyone drinking is told to stop, reporting those who refuse, are examples. To be charged, an adult must “knowingly” allow the drinking and then not take corrective steps.
5. If you know of a party going on in the present tense and you wish to report it, call 911. If you hear of a party in advance you can call one of the following numbers and an officer will proactively come out prior to the party and have a conversation with the homeowner about the Social Host Law. The numbers are:
1st Precinct 854-8147
2nd Precinct 854-8254
3rd Precinct 854-8326
4th Precinct 854-8434
5th Precinct 854-8527
6th Precinct 854-8632
7th Precinct 852-8726
All calls may be anonymous.
6. In addition to the criminal consequences of hosting a party where underage drinking is permitted, homeowners should be concerned about the potential liability should something occur that is related to the underage drinking.
This is serious stuff folks. Permissive attitude towards underage drinking has led to middle school children drinking in record numbers and, as Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds has said, is part of the reason we are facing a heroin problem of historic proportions.
Please, DO NOT ENABLE YOUR KIDS, and WORSE, do not enable someone else’s kids. YOU WILL BE PROSECUTED and perhaps more importantly, Heaven forbid something happens, you will never forgive yourself.