Town of Ellington, CT Chapter 10 Alcoholic Beverages

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Ellington as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Parks and recreation areas — See Ch. 116.

Article I Possession by Minors

[Adopted 11-13-2000, effective 12-12-2000; amended in its entirety by Town Meeting 12-9-2019]

(Reference C.G.S. 30-89a, Public Possession of Liquor by Minors Prohibited)

§ 10-1 Findings; purpose.

A. The Board of Selectmen of Ellington finds that:

(1) The unregulated possession of alcoholic beverages by minors is detrimental to the general welfare, health, and safety of all residents of Ellington, as well as presents a public nuisance to the general public as well.

B. Therefore, the Town of Ellington seeks to protect, preserve, and promote the health, safety, and quality of life by regulating possession of alcohol by minors.

§ 10-2 Definitions.

(Reference C.G.S. 30-1, 2017v)

A. The terms "alcohol," "alcoholic liquor or alcoholic beverage," "beer," "spirits" and "wine" shall be defined as provided in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-1, as amended from time to time.

B. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

MINOR

Any person under 21 years of age.

§ 10-3 Possession restricted.

No minor shall possess any form of alcoholic beverage, whether open or unopened, within the Town of Ellington except when accompanied by or in the presence of his or her parent, guardian, or spouse who is of legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages in the State of Connecticut. This restriction shall apply to both public and private property. Nothing in this section shall be construed to burden a person’s exercise of religion under section 3 of article first of the Constitution of the state in violation of subsection (a) of section 52-571b.

§ 10-4 Hosting event or gathering

No person shall host an event or gathering at which alcoholic beverages are consumed by or dispensed to any minor. This prohibition shall apply to any events or gathering on public or private property. Nothing in this section shall be construed to burden a person’s exercise of religion under section 3 of article first of the Constitution of the state in violation of subsection (a) of section 52-571b.

§ 10-5 Possession otherwise permitted by law

Notwithstanding the above, nothing herein shall prohibit the serving of alcoholic beverages by a minor if otherwise permitted by law.

§ 10-6 Enforcement.

The First Selectman as the Chief of Police, or his/her designee(s), is charged with enforcing the provisions of this article.

§ 10-7 Penalties for offenses

A. First time violation.

(1) Any person cited under § 10-3 will be subject to a fine in the amount of $100 and/or be required to complete a substance abuse awareness and prevention program.

(2) Any person cited under § 10-4 shall be subject to a fine in the amount of $100 and/or be required to complete a substance abuse awareness and prevention program.

B. Subsequent violation(s).

(1) For each subsequent violation of § 10-3, any person cited will be subject to a fine ($100) plus $25.

(2) For each subsequent violation of § 10-4, any person cited will be subject to a fine ($100) plus $25.

C. All fines paid pursuant to this article shall be payable to the Town Clerk of the Town of Ellington.

§ 10-8 Appeals procedure.

Any person fined pursuant to this article may appeal such fine in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 46 of the Town Ordinances.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 46, Citations.