Heavy arrests continue at arts center tailgate

Some 50 underage drinkers charged at last week’s The Fray concert

BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer

BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer

STAFFPHOTO The consumption of alcohol has been a problem for underage people at the outset of the summer concert season at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. STAFFPHOTO The consumption of alcohol has been a problem for underage people at the outset of the summer concert season at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. HOLMDEL – The party that is the PNC Bank Arts Center continued last week, this time to the tune of over 50 arrests, mostly for underage drinking charges.

The June 25 busts follow in the wake of a June 6 concert featuring Fall Out Boy, at which approximately 50 people were arrested, even with word going around that a crackdown on underage drinking was going to be in effect for the duration of the summer.

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R-Monmouth/Middlesex), who initiated the crackdown following a May 18 Gwen Stefani concert that resulted in 13 minors being taken to area hospitals for alcohol-related illnesses, said she is dismayed by the number of people being caught for breaking the law.

“Obviously, no one is pleased with the high number of arrests that were made on Monday night,” Handlin said referring to last week’s concert. “I know that this problem won’t be solved overnight and that we are dealing with teen culture, which as we all know is slow to change.”

Handlin did mention that, even with all of the problems during the last two concerts at the venue, headway has been made.

“At least now we have some sort of public dialogue that’s taking place concerning this issue,” Handlin said. “The problem was rough at first because nobody paid attention and so now we’re hopeful that this thing will slow down. The reality is that behavior that was once rampant is no longer the same way.”

Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso was also surprised at the blatant disregard for what local officials are trying to do at the venue.

“I’m shocked that kids still don’t get it,” DiMaso said. “Eventually, the young people that come to the PNC Bank Arts Center will need to realize that the type of enforcement they’ve seen so far in the parking lots will be there all summer long.”

She also noted that, while she has not seen any official numbers, she has heard that approximately 50 arrests were made, most of which were for underage drinking violations. She also thinks that the resulting fines from these arrests – over $500 for underage drinking and disorderly conduct violations – will deter young people from having too good of a time at the venue.

“The hefty fines will make kids more aware. I think that many kids did not realize how much the fines would be,” DiMaso said.

DiMaso said she thought the atmosphere in the parking lot was much calmer at last week’s concert, which featured the Denver-based rock band The Fray.

“Still, the message has to come through. Plenty of parents and chaperones were there and so the word is getting out about the crackdown. I just hope this trend continues and that the number of arrests will go down,” DiMaso said.