DA issues reminder on underage drinking

Underage drinking during annual prom and graduation celebrations on private property may constitute a crime, Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright reminds parents and students.

“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,” Carright said. “A violation of this section is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both.”

Carnright noted that Ulster County Local Law No 2 of 2008 provides that “no person having control of any premises shall allow an open house party to take place at a 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 at said residence.”