Minors caught trying to buy alcohol could soon be slapped with a $300 fine, at least that's the idea behind a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing underage drinking in the city.
City councilors at large Paul Brasco and Thomas Stanley drafted the ordinance, which was submitted to the City Council on Monday.
"We're really saying 'not here, not in Waltham; we won't tolerate underage drinking,"' Brasco said.
The proposed measure would punish those under the age of 21 caught drinking or trying to buy alcohol with a $300 fine and require that they complete an "alcohol awareness program," consisting of four hours of classroom instruction or group discussion and 10 hours of community service.
Under the ordinance, the $300 fines could also be handed down to minors who are caught with fake IDs, lying about their age, or making arrangements to buy alcohol. The fines would also target those who give alcohol to minors.
The ordinance would also give store clerks $20 awards for confiscating fake IDs. If the offender is found responsible after a hearing, the clerk could be entitled to an additional $180.
"It's sort of an all-encompassing enforcement idea," said Waltham Police Lt. Steve Champeon, who worked with Brasco and Stanley in crafting the ordinance. "I think, applied the right way, it's very progressive."
Stanley said among the benefits of the ordinance is that teenagers caught drinking or trying to buy alcohol wouldn't face a criminal charge.
The police, who helped develop the new ordinance, have agreed to penalize offenders using the ordinance instead of criminal charges should it pass, though they would still be able to charge someone at their discretion should it warrant it.
"Police officers don't want to see kids get stuck with a criminal record for making immature decisions," Stanley said.
At the same time, Stanley said the ordinance would still hold underage drinkers accountable for their action and give police another enforcement tool.
"It doesn't absolve them from their behavior," Stanley said.
Stanley said the proposed law would also make parents more aware of their children's action. Notices about the fine and requirement to complete the alcohol awareness program would be sent to the offender's parent or guardian.
Brasco said giving incentives to store clerks, bouncers at clubs, or restaurant staff to card minors and spot fake IDs is crucial since police can't be everywhere.
"The enforceability can't entirely be on the Police Department," Brasco said.
Offenders could face additional fines up to $1000 for failure pay the $300 or for failure to complete the alcohol awareness program within a year.
Champeon said money from the fines would go strictly to a dedicated account used to the fund awards doled out to store clerks or to pay for the alcohol awareness program.
Brasco said a public hearing would be held on the proposal at the council's Aug. 3 meeting.
To go into effect, the ordinance would need the approval of the Ordinances and Rules Committee as well as the full City Council.
Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.
