Police Lt. Stephen Bartzak is proposing the law in the wake of the alcohol-related death of 19-year-old Jack Reid.
By: Linda Seida
WEST AMWELL The alcohol-related death of a 19-year-old has spurred officials to consider a new ordinance that would outlaw the consumption or possession of alcohol by minors on private property.
West Amwell police Lt. Stephen Bartzak proposed the ordinance to the Township Committee last week.
"It’s just a senseless death," Lt. Bartzak said. "Some tool is needed to discourage this type of activity."
Jack Reid Jr., of Delaware Township, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 19 following the consumption of alcohol at an outdoor party on private property at Rock Road West. Three days later, a 21-year-old from Branchburg was charged with providing alcohol to minors.
"No one ever wants to see this occur again," Lt. Bartzak said Monday. "I’m going to do everything possible under my authority to see this doesn’t happen in the township again."
The committee will discuss the ordinance during the committee meeting scheduled for Dec. 27, according to Mayor Thomas Molnar.
"I’m all for it," the mayor said. "We lost a person, and that’s one too many as far as I’m concerned."
The motor vehicle code and the criminal code both contain provisions against the possession and the consumption of alcohol by minors on public land and quasi-public land, such as at a park or in a vehicle.
But those laws are "very broad and difficult to prove when it comes to things like this," Lt. Bartzak said. "It’s easier to prosecute with a municipal ordinance in place."
But police would have no legal authority to enter private property unless they had probable cause, including the receipt of complaints or "substantial credible information," Lt. Bartzak said.
The first offense would carry a $250 fine. A judge would have the discretion to suspend a teen’s driver’s license for six months. For younger teens, the judge could order a six-month delay in securing a license when they turn 17.
The second offense would carry a $350 fine, and a judge would have the discretion to order alcohol counseling.
Exemptions would include religious rites or the performance of a job- or education-related activity, such as culinary school where teens would need to use alcohol in some types of food preparation.
No exemption would be made for teens who have their parents’ permission.
"The law is the law," Lt. Bartzak said.

