The purpose of this article is to prohibit the
consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages on private property
by persons under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages in
accordance with the provisions of P.L. 2000, c. 33.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:48-1.2.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A person who has qualified as a guardian of the underaged
person pursuant to testamentary or court appointment.
The underaged person's grandparent, aunt or uncle, sibling,
or any other person related by blood or affinity.
[Amended 12-10-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-20]
Any person under the legal age who, without legal authority,
knowingly possesses or knowingly consumes any alcoholic beverage on
private property shall be punished by a fine of $250 for a first offense
and $350 for any subsequent offense.
A.
This article does not prohibit an underaged person
from consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage in connection with
a religious observance, ceremony or rite, or consuming or possessing
an alcoholic beverage in the presence of and with the permission of
a parent, guardian or relative who has attained the legal age to purchase
and consume beverages.
B.
This article does not prohibit possession of alcoholic
beverages by any such person while actually engaged in the performance
of employment by a person who is licensed under Title 33 of the Revised
Statutes or while actively engaged in the preparation of food while
enrolled in a culinary arts or hotel management program at a county
vocational school or post secondary educational institution; however,
no ordinance enacted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-1.2 shall be construed
to preclude the imposition of a penalty under this article, N.J.S.A.
33:1-81, or any other section of law against a person who is convicted
of unlawful alcoholic beverage activity on or at premises licensed
for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
