Park & Rec. Reminding Residents of Alcohol Policy After Police Reports

Police Chief Tom Leary sent a memo to Needham Park and Recreation this week asking the commission to remind field users of the Town's alcohol policy.

Recent reports have come into the police station alleging "parents and spectators at youth sports games with alcohol," according to an email sent by Park and Rec. The possession and/or consumption of alcohol on parks, playgrounds and athletic fields in Needham is strictly forbidden.

The email went on to state that Needham police will be keeping a watchful eye out for such activities and "will be conducting appropriate enforcement activities."

The general Town bylaw relating to this matter states:

3.1.10 Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages

No person shall possess or consume an alcoholic beverage as defined by M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 1, as amended, within the limits of any park, playground, public land or public building owned or under the control of the Town of Needham, except with written permission of the appropriate controlling Town tribunal, nor shall any person consume alcoholic beverage as defined in Section 1, on any public way or any way to which the public has a right of access as invitees or licenses, including any person in a motor vehicle in, on or upon any public way or any way to which the public has said right of access, within the limits of the Town of Needham; and no person shall consume an alcoholic beverage as previously defined, in, on or upon any private land or place without the consent of the owner or persons in control of such private land or place.

Any person who violates Sub-section 3.1.10 of the General By-Laws may be arrested by a police officer without a warrant. (Revised Article 57, 1994 A.T.M.)