Pocono News Section

Aggressive Enforcement Near Local Colleges

Aggressive Enforcement Near Local Colleges - Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 5:35PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 @ 05:35pm EDT
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

State police in central Pennsylvania are cracking down on what some call a growing problem with underage drinking.

College students we spoke with agree that underage drinking is an issue on local campuses.

Penn College student Hannah Rall said, “Underage drinking is wrong and it gets out of hand. And it’s starting to get really out of hand.”

Lycoming College sophomore Shawn McMahon noted, “If you’re not old enough to drink, you shouldn’t be doing it. But again, it’s college. Everybody’s going to end up drinking. It’s just what people do.”

That’s what state police fear. So they’re doing everything they can to put a stop to it.

They’re in the second year of a more aggressive enforcement program aimed at keeping alcohol out of the hands of underage students.

Undercover officers are staking out establishments in and around college towns.

Police say they’re not just targeting bars. They’ll also be on the lookout at liquor stores and beer distributors.

And parents can consider themselves forewarned as well. Both parents and students can face some stiff penalties if kids under 21 are caught consuming alcohol at parties in their homes.

Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement Sergeant Jeff McGinness explained, “We have students who tip us off to the parties and the locations. We use a variety of ways to get ourselves in the door and find out who’s doing the purchasing and the consuming.”

And while students agree the enforcement is necessary, their opinions differ on how effective it can be.

Rall said, “I think it will (be effective) if the punishment is harsh enough.”

McMahon disagreed. “People are just going to have their friend go in and buy it for them that’s actually of age,” he replied.

Regardless, police say they’ll be watching. Sergeant McGinness added, “We just hope they understand that we are out there for their safety and security.”

First-time underage drinking offenders in Pennsylvania face loss of driving privileges, a $300 fine, and up to 90 days in jail.