Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jan 2008
Source: Daily Freeman (Kingston, NY)
Copyright: 2008 Daily Freeman
Contact:  http://www.dailyfreeman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3269

PROACTIVE MEASURE

The Ulster County Legislature next month will consider  a local law to
penalize those who knowingly and  willingly allow drinking or drug
abuse by underage  visitors to their homes.

As is too often typical of these initiatives, this law  springs from
tragedy. In May, an 18-year-old driver was  charged and later indicted
for vehicular homicide by an  Ulster County grand jury for the death
of a 19-year-old  passenger after allegedly drinking at a private
party  in Woodstock.

Language in the enabling legislation speaks succinctly  to its
purpose: "The Ulster County Legislature finds  that the occurrence at
social gatherings at private  premises where alcoholic beverages or
drugs are served  to or consumed by persons under the age of 21 is
harmful to such persons themselves and a threat to  public welfare,
health and safety."

Former District Attorney Donald Williams, in seeking  the indictment,
also asked the grand jury for  recommendations on ways to avoid such a
tragedy in the  future. Williams urged the grand jury to consider a
state-wide law prohibiting under-age drinking, but that  in the
interim, a local law should be enacted. Williams  has since contacted
area state legislators for support  of crafting a state law.

Williams told the county Legislature at a public  hearing on the bill
in December that parents or  guardians allowing minors to drink is
"not just  accepted, but pervasive" in Ulster County. He said the
legislation could be a "proactive step to change the  culture in the
county and the state."

We totally agree.

Ironically, state laws have long been in force that  prohibit
on-premise public consumption of alcohol and  illegal drugs by minors.

Under legislation advanced by the Criminal Justice  Committee of the
Legislature, persons 16 or older could  be charged with a violation
(comparable to a speeding  ticket) for knowingly allowing underage
drinking in  their homes, punishable by fines of up to $250 or up to
15 days in jail. A judge could also impose appearances  between impact
panels, community service or education.  The law would not apply to a
person's immediate family,  according to the former DA. Those under 16
would be  sent to Family Court.

Greene and Nassau counties have similar laws in place,  as do numerous
municipalities from Long Island to  Albany. Ulster's joining this
loose-knit coalition in  purpose should encourage state legislators to
get on  with the pressing business of enacting legislation.

We urge the Legislature to adopt what could be a  life-saving measure.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath