Senate No. 692 was duly passed by both houses of the New Jersey
Legislature and signed into law by the Governor on June 26, 2000,
to become effective immediately (P.L. 2000, c. 33). This legislation
amends N.J.S.A. 40:48-1.2 to provide a new section authorizing a municipality
to enact an ordinance making it unlawful for any person under the
legal age to, without legal authority, knowingly possess or knowingly
consume an alcoholic beverage on private property and providing for
the assessment of penalties, including the suspension, revocation
or postponement of certain driving privileges. The Borough of Penns
Grove is of the opinion that such an ordinance is in the public interest
and will promote public safety and will contribute to the overall
public health, safety and welfare of the community at large.
It shall be unlawful for any person under the legal age to,
without legal authority, knowingly possess or knowingly consume an
alcoholic beverage on private property.
Underage persons reporting the need for medical assistance shall
be exempt from prosecution according to N.J.S.A. 40:48-1.2a.