Town ordinance addressing defect in Connecticut state statutes
Prior to October1, 2006, Connecticut law provided for a minimum drinking age of 21, but the statute covered only public property and commercial establishments. Drinking on private property, including residences, was not illegal under Connecticut law. Therefore, minors were able to openly possess and consume alcohol in full view of authorities, and law enforcement officers were not allowed to intercede. In reaction to the noted defect in state law and to numerous tragedies involving intoxicated minors, many municipalities enacted local ordinances which made underage possession and consumption of alcohol illegal within their borders. In 2003, the West Hartford Council passed their own ordinance. However, when reviewing the effect of the ordinance in the fall of 2005 and early 2006, we found there was little awareness of the ordinance and therefore little enforcement. Therefore, a resolution was introduced to the Town Council to reinforce awareness of the ordinance and the problem of underage drinking. ACT NOW-Before Events Leave You With No Choice Leave your comments on the CompelledToAct Blog |
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Town ordinance addressing defect in Connecticut state statutes
Prior to October1, 2006, Connecticut law provided for a minimum drinking age of 21, but the statute covered only public property and commercial establishments. Drinking on private property, including residences, was not illegal under Connecticut law. Therefore, minors were able to openly possess and consume alcohol in full view of authorities, and law enforcement officers were not allowed to intercede.
In reaction to the noted defect in state law and to numerous tragedies involving intoxicated minors, many municipalities enacted local ordinances which made underage possession and consumption of alcohol illegal within their borders. In 2003, the West Hartford Council passed their own ordinance.
However, when reviewing the effect of the ordinance in the fall of 2005 and early 2006, we found there was little awareness of the ordinance and therefore little enforcement. Therefore, a resolution was introduced to the Town Council to reinforce awareness of the ordinance and the problem of underage drinking.
ACT NOW-Before Events Leave You With No Choice
Leave your comments on the CompelledToAct Blog