Tewksbury PD Warns Stores, Parents About Role In Underage Drinking

TEWKSBURY, MA — The Tewksbury Police Department is warning local businesses and residents of the legal and financial repercussions of providing alcohol to minors.

The Tewksbury PD said it has served official notice to "all proprietors of beer, wine, and liquor establishments (restaurants, bars and retailers)" that the department will be conducting compliance checks at all establishments "as it pertains to underage drinking and the sale of alcohol to minors."

The department also said it would be scheduling a virtual meeting with the proprietors in order to discuss the topic of alcohol sales to minors.

"Your cooperation to combat underage drinking could save a life," the Tewksbury PD said in a statement. "Any loss of life or injury from underage drinking is one too many. Please help us make sure that the youth of our community are safe."

Of course, sometimes minors are able to gain access to alcohol without even having to purchase it.

With that in mind, the Tewksbury PD also offered reminders about the Social Host Law in Massachusetts, which states that "whoever furnishes alcohol to a person under 21 years of age shall be punished by a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment up to a year or both."

The department clarified the legal definition of furnish as it pertains to the law: "to knowingly or intentionally supply, give, provide to, or allow to possess alcoholic beverages on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged."

It's not just parents who are on the hook under the Social Host Law either.

The department made clear that the law allows for parents or children to be charged criminally, or sued civilly, if the parent or child knowingly allowed minors to possess alcohol at a property the parents controlled, including in a hotel room.

For minors, a criminal or juvenile record can prevent them from getting a job or joining the military, the department warned.

Additionally, the Tewksbury PD noted that a parent may be financially responsible if their child or underage guests injure somebody, or themselves, after having consumed alcohol that was made available by the parent. Civil suits can be for millions of dollars, the department said.

"As summer approaches, there will be much to celebrate," the Tewksbury PD said in a statement. "Think twice before you host a party where you allow kids to drink alcohol. TPD takes a zero-tolerance approach and will criminally charge anyone hosting these parties."