If you know anyone who has been arrested recently for an underage alcohol offense, you may have heard that “things have changed.” The new year has arrived with a new enforcement program in the Borough of West Chester. The Source Investigation Project (SIP) is a partnership between the West Chester Police Department and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Officers who identify underage drinkers will ask about how and where the minors obtained the alcohol. People who are identified as having provided minors with alcohol will face charges. Underage drinkers in West Chester have been subject to strict enforcement since 2002, when Operation Vigilance was started. Operation Vigilance did away with minor consequences, such as community service and began enforcing more strict sentences, such as fines and the loss of a driver’s license. Current penalties for underage alcohol use (purchase, consumption, possession, public drunkenness, carrying or using a fake ID) include a fine of up to $300 and suspension of drivers license for a period of 90 days even if not driving at the time of the offense. Pennsylvania has a “zero-tolerance” law for minors who drive after drinking. A minor with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02 to .159 is subject to 12 months license suspension, $500- $5,000 fine, alcohol highway safety school, treatment when ordered and jail time from 48 hours up to six months. Higher BAC’s result in more severe penalties. The goal of the new SIP project is to interrupt the source of alcohol to minors. A recent Daily Local News article quotes Police Chief Scott Bohn as saying, “[The SIP] is designed to increase the likelihood that those who engage in high-risk behavior will get caught and will be held accountable. That includes everything from those who host (underage) parties at residences to businesses,as well.” Police will focus on areas including neighborhoods in the business districts of West Chester and East Bradford that have been the site of alcohol-fueled crimes. They hope to protect residents and students from injuries resulting from illegal alcohol consumption. A similar program in State College, PA resulted in 12 people being cited with supplying alcohol to minors during the fall 2005 semester. Fraternities accounted for onethird of those numbers. With the institution of the SIP, it is important for students to understand the potential consequences.
Those found guilty of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors $1000-$2500 fine and up to one year jail term; manufacture or sale of false identification card could result in a $1000-$2500 and up to a two year jail term.