Underage drinkers can now be charged in boro
BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer

SOUTH RIVER - Underage drinkers and the adults who provide them with alcohol now face stiffer penalties since a new ordinance took effect last week.

The law, which is similar to those enacted in several neighboring municipalities, calls for a six-month driver's license suspension for any teenager caught consuming alcohol, as well as a fine ranging from $250 to $350.

The Borough Council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance in May. East Brunswick adopted an underage drinking ordinance earlier this year after police broke up a large party attended by more than a hundred minors with a large amount of alcohol. Police were not able to charge any of the minors, only those who provided the alcohol.

"We looked at East Brunswick's ordinance and modeled it after that," borough Councilman Anthony Razzano told the Sentinel. "It's not a big, widespread problem we're having. This is to make parents more responsible and send a strong message to the kids that this will not be condoned. It's not just South River; South River is just doing its part."

Razzano said the new law forbids adults from providing alcoholic beverages to those under age 21, except for religious purposes.

"Before, if somebody gave a drink to someone who was underage, there was some ambiguity," Razzano said. "This makes it clear. You cannot give an underage person alcohol.

"Parents aren't supposed to be their buddies, they're supposed to be their parents," he added.

Borough Council President David Sliker told the Sentinel that Deputy Police Chief John Bouthillette recommended that the governing body take this action, since state law only allowed enforcement on public property. Local government can now enforce the underage drinking law on private property as well.

The ordinance is well-intentioned, Sliker said, though he feels that officials will need to ensure it is not abused, and that residents do not face over-regulation.

"My only concern is it gives [police] the right to go into private property," Sliker said.

Still, the law can be an effective deterrent if used judiciously, he said.

There have been reported incidents of groups of teenagers being served alcohol in borough homes by the homeowner, Razzano said.

"This [ordinance] makes everybody take responsibility," Razzano said, noting the importance of doing everything possible to stop teenagers from drinking and driving.

"They are good kids," Razzano added, "but if an adult says, 'Here, it's OK,' then the adult is sending the wrong message."