A question was asked of me recently regarding minors in possession of alcohol.  Recent accidents and news coverage has focused attention on junior operators as well as alcohol related crashes.  If a person is under twenty-one and caught with alcohol, can it affect their driver’s license in any way?
            Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 34C is the section commonly known as minor transporting or carrying alcoholic beverages.  No one under age twenty-one may carry or transport alcohol or alcoholic beverages, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  Exceptions apply to persons between eighteen and twenty-one who handle alcohol in connection with their employment. 
            This is arrestable and penalties call for a fine ranging from fifty dollars to one hundred and fifty dollars depending on the offense.  A conviction of this offense does require the registry to be notified and calls for a ninety day license suspension.  This will take effect whether or not the person convicted was driving a vehicle.  Any unlawful possession will qualify for the penalty.  This can have a serious impact on someone's life and the law is designed to limit the contact between minors and alcohol.  Similar penalties in other laws make mixing minors and alcohol a bad combination.
            I wish to thank Worcester County Assistant District Attorney Ms. Ellen Miller and the principals and faculty at Shepherd Hill High School for a very informative session for parents focusing on on-line predators.  This was held on Wednesday, March 29th and it was attended by approximately forty parents and teachers.  Everyone learned important safety tips for parents and children to follow.  Child predators can maintain their anonymity behind their computer.  It is important to be extra diligent in relation to your child's on-line activities.  I thank the school officials for taking proactive measures to safeguard our young people.
            Once again, the Dudley Police Department, along with many other state and local agencies throughout the Commonwealth, will be participating in the “Click It or Ticket” and “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose” campaign sponsored through a grant from the Governors Highway Safety Bureau.  We are currently engaged in the “Road Respect” program and there will be designated patrols on the roadways focusing on erratic or aggressive operators.  Please be aware of these additional officers out on patrol and remember to buckle up and drive defensively.

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