2 Bedford Teens Arrested In Underage Drinking Party

BEDFORD, NH — Two teenagers were arrested last week after police responded to an underage drinking party in Bedford. One 15-year-old male from Bedford, who police say was hosting the party, was charged with unlawful possession due to intoxication and facilitating an underage party. The other 15-year-old male from Bedford was charged with providing false information and resisting arrest.

Police say they responded to the party after on Saturday, May 4, at approximately 11:13 p.m., after receiving an anonymous tip through Nixile. The tip stated there was a party in progress that involved alcohol consumption of those who were underage. Upon arrival, officers smelled alcohol and confirmed there were underage people at the party, police say.

At the party, officers found one teen who had fallen ill from drinking. That teen was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

A second teen was arrested after providing a false name to police and then being uncooperative while police were arresting him, according to the Bedford Police Department.

Additional minors were also taken into protective custody and later released to their parents, police say.

"This incident is an example of some of the serious consequences of underage drinking, of which legal liability is only part of the equation," said Police Chief John Bryfonski. "Underage individuals and adults alike need to be aware of the law, and it's incumbent upon their parents and guardians to understand their responsibility to prevent their kids from drinking under age."

New Hampshire's social host law holds adults and those who are underage accountable, police say. The state's Facilitating a Drug or Underage Alcohol Party Law states that anyone 18 or older who hosts a party where underage alcohol drinking or illegal drug use is involved is subject to arrest and a Class A misdemeanor charge, along with jail time and/or a fine of up to $2,000. Hosts can also be held liable in a civil proceeding for any injury or death resulting from underage drinking or illegal drug use that occurs on their property or under their control.

For teens and young adults, underage drinking can result in license suspension, loss of a vehicle and minimum fines of $600, according to police. Anyone over the age of 16 can be charged as an adult. Possible loss of college scholarship or grant money can also result, police say.

Risks associated with underage drinking extends beyond the reach of the legal system, the Bedford Police Department has stated. Lifelong consequences can result. According to Drug Free NH, studies show that a person who starts drinking before the age of 15 is four times more likely to develop alcoholism than someone who delays drinking until age 21.

According to Drug Free NH, each year, about 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking due to the following:

• People who are under the influence may take dangerous risks such as getting behind the wheel of a car, driving recklessly, picking a fight, or doing something else they will regret.
• Drinking too much can lead to alcohol poisoning, blacking out, and choking on one’s vomit.
• Drinking too much decreases alertness, which can cause someone to ignore signs of alcohol poisoning in others or danger to themselves.