Darien PD Issues Warning About Underage Drinkers

DARIEN, CT — With the end of the school year and high school graduation approaching, the Darien Police Department is issuing a warning to "parents and homeowners about the criminal consequences of allowing the consumption of alcohol by juveniles at their homes."

The reminder is because at this time of year, the department "typically sees an increase in the number of calls" for underage drinking parties, a problem that has plagued Darien and other area communities in recent years.

"This increase can be attributed to prom season, the end of the school year, and the return of college students to town," wrote police officials in a statement. "The Darien Police wanted to take this opportunity to remind parents and homeowners about the criminal consequences of allowing the consumption of alcohol by juveniles at their homes."

Among the charges a parent could face in connection with an underage drinking party at their home includes a Class E Felony if they sold or delivered alcohol to minors (see below). That charge carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,500.

From the Darien Police Department release:

Various social-host and underage-possession charges can be brought against any parent or homeowner
who either; actively participates in allowing juveniles to possess or procure alcohol, or passively allows
the possession/consumption to take place. Most people are aware that allowing kids to drink in their home
is illegal, but many don’t realize that the law allows for charges to be brought in situations where the
police feel parents “should” have known underage drinking is a potential. An example of this would be
allowing your child to have 20 of their friends over, and for the group to be unsupervised in the basement
of the home. If police were summoned to the home, and determined that alcohol was being consumed in that basement, the parents could be charged as they should have anticipated the potential for alcohol consumption given the circumstances.

The Darien Police suggest taking active steps to assure that any gatherings at your home are safe and
alcohol free. Checking on gatherings, knowing who’s in your home, and talking with your kids are
examples of good first-steps. Taking these proactive measures ensures the safety of your children and
their friends, and protects you from the potential criminal consequences of alcohol being present without
your knowledge.

The safety and wellbeing of teens in Darien is the primary concern of the Darien Police Department when
it comes to underage alcohol consumption. For that reason we would prefer there to be no incidents of
underage alcohol consumption, but also understand that poor choices can/will be made. We provide this
information in the hopes that understanding the potential negative consequences prior to a “drinking
decision” will lead to a more educated choice being made.

If at any time you are aware of a situation where minors are consuming alcohol, we urge you to contact us
via phone or internet-based tip (done from our website) to ensure the safety of those involved.

The men and women of the Darien Police Department wish everyone a happy and safe end to the school
year and beginning of summer. As always, if you have any questions or concerns in regards to any of the
information presented, please don’t hesitate to call us.

Applicable Charges:

• Prohibits possession of alcohol by a minor in any public or private location
  
• Infraction: $136
  
• 30 Day License Suspension (caught driving = misdemeanor arrest)
  
• If not yet licensed- 150 day delay in obtaining a license

• Prohibits the sale or delivery of alcohol to a minor by any person
  
• Class E Felony
  
• Up to $3500 fine and/or 18 months in jail
  
• Of note: This statute applies when provider of alcohol to minor is themselves, a minor
  

CGS 30-89aa2: "Social Host Law"

• Requires any person who possesses or has control over any dwelling unit or private property to make reasonable efforts to halt the possession of alcohol by a minor on such property.
  
• Class A Misdemeanor
  
• Up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2000 fine

Image via Shutterstock

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