Officials are considering quadrupling the minimum fine for anyone found serving alcohol to minors at a party of teenagers in a private residence.
Members of the Judiciary Planning and Zoning Committee, who have been reviewing the village’s parental responsibility ordinance to determine if some areas need toughening, said they would favor raising the minimum fine to $100. The maximum fine would remain at $500.
“The intent is to try to get across to parents . . . that (they), or whoever is in charge of the household . . . have a responsibility not to let (underage drinking) go on in their homes,” Trustee Paul Rettberg said.
Officials had considered raising the fine even higher, but Police Chief Fred Engelbrecht said many judges prefer setting their own fines.
The fine would not be applied to people under age 21 who are participating in a religious ceremony; in the presence and with approval of their parent or legal guardian; and delivering alcohol to someone for their job, parents or guardian.