It is hereby unlawful for any person under the
legal age ("underage person") who, without legal authority, knowingly
possesses or knowingly consumes an alcoholic beverage on private property.
No person shall be considered to knowingly possess an alcoholic beverage
merely because he or she is present where alcoholic beverages are
being consumed.
A person under the legal age shall not be prohibited
from:
A. Possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage in connection
with a religious observance, ceremony or rite, or possessing or consuming
an alcoholic beverage in the presence of, or with the written permission
of such person's parent, guardian or relative who has attained the
legal age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; or
B. The possession of an alcoholic beverage 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;
or
C. Possessing an alcoholic beverage while actually engaged
in the performance of employment by a person who is licensed under
Title 33 of the Revised Statutes.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
GUARDIAN
A person who has qualified as a guardian of the underage
person pursuant to testamentary or court appointment.
RELATIVE
The underage person's grandparent, aunt or uncle, sibling,
or any other person related by blood or affinity.
A violation by an underage person of this article
shall be punished by a fine of $250 for a first offense and $350 for
any subsequent offense.