This week I'd like to share with you this letter from Ulster County
District Attorney D. Holley Carnwright regarding prom and graduation
safety and the Ulster County Social Host Law.
BE SMART BE SAFE
April 16, 2013
Greetings:
It is that time of year when students in our county will be
taking part in proms and graduations.
Although it is justifiably a time of joy and celebration, it is equally
one for caution and restraint. I am
writing to enlist your assistance in helping to prevent the potentially tragic
consequences of drinking and driving.
Alcohol is by far the most widely used drug among our youth
and is directly associated with risk-taking behavior and other disinhibiting effects
that increase the chance of unsafe conduct on their part. Unfortunately, in recent years, our county
has experienced its tragic results.
On February 19, 2008, in an effort to combat drunk driving
Ulster County passed “Local Law Number 2 of 2008,” *which, in pertinent part,
provides that “no person having any control of any premises shall allow an open
house party to take place at said residence if such person knows or has reason
to know that any alcoholic beverage or drug is being unlawfully possessed,
served to or consumed by a minor (under 21) at said residence.” It defines “open house party” as “a social
gathering at a residence or other private property with minors present.”
In addition, the Social Host Liability Act of the State of New
York imposes civil liability upon any individual who
knowingly serves or permits alcohol to be served to a minor if that minor
causes injury to another as a result of his or her intoxication.
Furthermore, Section 260.20 of the Penal Law of the State of
New York authorizes the
prosecution of any individual who gives or sells or causes to be given or sold
any alcoholic beverage to a person less than 21 years old.
I ask that if you permit the use of your home for a prom pr
graduation event, you monitor the situation carefully to insure that minors in
attendance do not imbibe alcoholic beverages.
Please help to make this graduation season a time of
celebration. Help keep our children, our
loved ones, and our county safe.
Sincerely,
D. Holley Carnright
District Attorney
Cheryl DePaolo
Director of Ulster Prevention Council
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