[Adopted by Ord. No. 8-2001 (Sec. 5.08.055 of the 1996 Municipal Code)]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
GUARDIAN
A person who is 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.
It is unlawful for any person under the legal age who, without legal authority, knowingly possesses or knowingly consumes an alcoholic beverage on private property. However, an underage person shall not be prohibited 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 obtained the legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Nor shall it be a violation of this section for an underage person to possess alcoholic beverages while such underage person is actually engaged in the performance of employment by a person, who is licensed pursuant to N.J.S.A. Title 33, or while actively engaged in preparation of food while enrolled in a culinary arts or hotel management program at a county vocational school or post secondary educational institution.
A violation of this article shall be punished by a fine of $250 for a first offense and $350 for any subsequent offense. Additionally, the court may suspend or postpone for six months the driving privilege of the defendant. If a person at the time of the imposition of a sentence is less than 17 years of age, the period of license postponement, including a suspension or postponement of the privilege of operating a motorized bicycle, shall commence on the day the sentence is imposed and shall run for a period of six months after the person reaches the age of 17 years. The court shall also inform the person orally and in writing that if the person is convicted of operating a motor vehicle during the period of license suspension or postponement, the person shall be subject to the penalties set forth in N.J.S.A. 39:3-40. A person shall be required to acknowledge receipt of the written notice in writing.