Waltham Police to Bolster Underage Drinking Enforcement

After receiving a federal grant, Waltham Police plan to bolster their underage drinking enforcement efforts.

Police plan to conduct alcohol stings, party patrols and take other steps to incease enforcement of underage drinking laws in Waltham, according to a police department press release. The department, along with 25 other communities, recently received $9,875 from the federal government to increase underage drinking enforcement. 

"This grant provides much needed funding to target the problem of underage drinking," said Waltham Police Detective Lt. Kevin O'Connell. "Whether you are underage, plan to sell to a minor or buy alcohol for a minor, this funding will aid us as we work dilligently to enforce the law."

Police plan to conduct business checks to see whether they are serving to minors, stings and party patrols to crackdown on underage drinking, according to the release. In 2012, Waltham Police issued 111 citations to minors and arrested 154 individuals using similar grant money. 

"Teens and parents need to be reminded that underage drinking is not a game. It's deadly serious," O'Connell said. "Parents need to know that hosting a party where alcohol is served to minors is both illegal and extremely dangerous for the minors and others in the community. Parents should know they'll also face all legal liabilities."