On Thursday, December 14, The Senate Budget, and Appropriations Committee favorably reported A-5610/S-3954, in which any underage individual who knowingly consumes, purchases, or possesses an alcoholic beverage in a public place or motor vehicle will be charged with a violation via a complaint-summons and fined $50. If the individual is under 18 years old, the parent or legal guardian must receive written notice about the violation. Additionally, law enforcement officers are mandated to confiscate any alcohol held by an underage individual. Any unconcealed alcohol plainly visible provides the officer with probable cause to initiate a search. This violation would not be classified as a delinquency offense for the offender.
The League of Municipalities supports this legislation as it reestablishes a written warning system for parents and offers a valuable tool for police to help deter youth from underage consumption of alcoholic beverages.
A-5610/S-3954 passed the Assembly 77-0 on June 30, 2023, and is now heads to the Senate for second reading.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.