Organizer Marie Shultis appeals to Ulster lawmakers
to add 'education component' to proposed underage
drinking law. Zephyr Dresser-Peck, 18, left, was
in a vehicle in which another Onteora student died.

Ulster’s proposed underage drinking law may not please everyone

Kingston – Ulster County legislators appear ready to finally vote on a local law, introduced several months ago, prohibiting consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, on private property.  The law may not contain something several, particularly citizens, say they want: an educational component.Former District Attorney Donald Williams speaking to a brief joint caucus of Democrats and Republicans, suggested the law, as written, will at least start an educational process.“This law does two things: The vehicle to get public education out; and secondly, the ability to hold an individual accountable if they commit the offence.As written, the law appears only to define terms, define the offence, indicate that there can be exceptions, as spelled out by the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Law … such as for religious observances... and set a penalty, of not more than 15 days in jail, and/or a fine of not more than $250.On a split vote, members of the majority Democratic Caucus rejected an amendment that would have added the component.  One concern is that the law has already gone back to committee twice, and amending it would send it back again.  Chairman David Donaldson suggested passing the law, as is, and making any desired changes after it is in place.Marie Shultis, a parent and volunteer organizer working with a group of Onteora High School students who lost a friend in an alcohol-related accident, says the law should target the parents as much as the kids.“We’re not getting anywhere", said Shultis.  "We need to start educating parents.  Personally, my idea would be to bring in the parents that are the offenders and make them take a training about alcohol awareness, and then when these teens come to this program, their parents can be sent down the hall to listen to the parent that was the offender tell them about education around the problem.”

Shultis hopes others who agree will attend and speak at next Wednesday’s regular monthly legislative session when the full legislature will vote on the introductory local law.