SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – Unruly teens, often drunk and disorderly have taken over many Jersey Shore towns thanks to protections given to them by Governor Phil Murphy. The bill is being sponsored by Shore area Democrat Vin Gopal,a close ally to Governor Murphy.
Under current law, individuals under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items who possess or consume such substances in prohibited locations face certain consequences, including written warnings or notifications to parents/guardians. The law enforcement officer may also provide informational materials on community services. The officer is required to take possession of the prohibited substances and related paraphernalia.
Now, facing a potential disastrous turnout in November, Trenton Democrats are trying to undo the damages being caused by Murphy’s moratorium on criminally charging underage drinking in New Jersey.
This bill introduces new provisions regarding underage possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages:
Individuals under the legal drinking age who knowingly possess or consume alcoholic beverages in schools, public conveyances, public places, places of public assembly, or motor vehicles would be charged with a violation on a complaint-summons. The fine for this violation would be $100. If the violation involves someone under 18 years of age, a written notification regarding the violation must be provided to their parent, guardian, or legal custodian. The violation would not be considered delinquency under existing law. The law enforcement officer must also take possession of any alcoholic beverages involved in the violation.
Currently, the unconcealed possession of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis items does not provide probable cause for a search by law enforcement officers. However, under this bill, if an officer observes someone openly possessing an alcoholic beverage, it would constitute probable cause for a search to determine if there are further violations of underage possession or consumption laws.
The Attorney General is currently required to issue a biannual report detailing occurrences and statistics of violations involving the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis items by underage individuals. The bill makes clarifying changes to the report’s information requirements for violations related to underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The sponsor highlights the importance of addressing underage drinking, citing research that shows alcohol as the primary drug of choice among young people. The sponsor emphasizes that underage drinking has significant health implications, including problems in school, social issues, legal consequences, impaired development, increased risk of harm, and alcohol-related incidents. The bill aims to protect youth by preventing underage drinking and its associated negative effects.