PROACTIVE MEASURE

The Ulster County Legislature next month will consider a local law to
penalize those who knowingly and willingly allow drinking or drug
abuse by underage visitors to their homes.

As is too often typical of these initiatives, this law springs from
tragedy. In May, an 18-year-old driver was charged and later indicted
for vehicular homicide by an Ulster County grand jury for the death
of a 19-year-old passenger after allegedly drinking at a private
party in Woodstock.

Language in the enabling legislation speaks succinctly to its
purpose: "The Ulster County Legislature finds that the occurrence at
social gatherings at private premises where alcoholic beverages or
drugs are served to or consumed by persons under the age of 21 is
harmful to such persons themselves and a threat to public welfare,
health and safety."

Former District Attorney Donald Williams, in seeking the indictment,
also asked the grand jury for recommendations on ways to avoid such a
tragedy in the future. Williams urged the grand jury to consider a
state-wide law prohibiting under-age drinking, but that in the
interim, a local law should be enacted. Williams has since contacted
area state legislators for support of crafting a state law.

Williams told the county Legislature at a public hearing on the bill
in December that parents or guardians allowing minors to drink is
"not just accepted, but pervasive" in Ulster County. He said the
legislation could be a "proactive step to change the culture in the
county and the state."

We totally agree.

Ironically, state laws have long been in force that prohibit
on-premise public consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs by minors.

Under legislation advanced by the Criminal Justice Committee of the
Legislature, persons 16 or older could be charged with a violation
(comparable to a speeding ticket) for knowingly allowing underage
drinking in their homes, punishable by fines of up to $250 or up to
15 days in jail. A judge could also impose appearances between impact
panels, community service or education. The law would not apply to a
person's immediate family, according to the former DA. Those under 16
would be sent to Family Court.

Greene and Nassau counties have similar laws in place, as do numerous
municipalities from Long Island to Albany. Ulster's joining this
loose-knit coalition in purpose should encourage state legislators to
get on with the pressing business of enacting legislation.

We urge the Legislature to adopt what could be a life-saving measure.