Licenses In Jeopardy

by Leslie Hutchison
Herald Staff - Cheshire Herald – Cheshire CT

The letters containing the startling news began arriving in Cheshire earlier this year. They’re from the state Department of Motor Vehicles and inform the teenage recipients that their license has been suspended.
The letters are being delivered to underage drinkers who’ve been charged with public possession of liquor by a minor or misrepresentation of age to procure liquor. Both infractions result in an automatic 150-day driver’s license suspension.
Police Officer Mark Ecke said the department recently began issuing tickets under a new state law that allowed a bigger fine for the infraction. The well-known local ordinance called the “10-9” included a fine of $91. Ecke said the state law, Public Act 06-112, requires a larger fine of $131. “Before, it didn’t phase them,” Ecke said of the smaller fine.
Having a tougher state law allowed the Cheshire police to issue tickets with the hope that a larger fine would get the attention of underage drinkers and their parents. The local police were not initially aware the new law included mandatory license suspension from the DMV.
Ecke said, “We wrote 104 citations” for the local 10-9 ordinance last year. Now, with the new law, “a minor can have their license suspended for 150 days.” He added, “It’s in the public’s best interest to know this. The state doesn’t want reckless operators or drinking” on the roads.
Lt. Jay Markella thinks the new law is a good tool for enforcement of underage drinking.
“I like it alot. It adds bite.” He believes drinking by teens “was a rite of passage” and the license suspensions have had an impact.
“They’re more afraid of losing their license than fines or having their name in the paper,” Markella continued. He noted, “It will be hard to insure teens after that” infraction is listed on their record.
Michelle Piccerillo, director of youth and social services, said an upcoming alcohol awareness forum will address a number of issues about underage drinking. Called “Underage and Under the Influence,” the forum begins at 7 p.m. on April 26 at Town Hall.
Panelists include Youth Officer Bill Fountain, Ecke, and Attorney Matt Jalowiec. Piccerillo noted it’s the first time a legal expert will be on the forum’s panel. “An interesting piece is having an attorney there. The legal consequences to parents” for underage drinking will be spelled out.
A middle school and high school student will also be on the panel, Piccerillo said, to “give a youth perspective” so “parents can learn some information about what’s happening in the community” regarding teen drinking.
The forum is part of the town’s Alcohol Awareness Week scheduled for April 23 - April 27. “We’re looking to have a greater attendance” this year, Piccerillo stated and we’ll be “targeting parents and talk about the new law.”
For more information, visit www.cheshirecares.org.