I read about this in the paper yesterday, and it bought a question to my mind: As greeks, we are told that if we want a party or function and serve alcohol that we should hire third party vendors. I remember some GLOs who would pick places based on if they would serve everyone without IDing. So when something like this happens (a crackdown by the ABC on underage drinking) is it fair to bring a fraternity's name into the picture?Granted, the article doesn't give the complete details, like if this was a date party, an open party, whatever but I think it still raises an interesting point.
Should GLOs be held responsible if the third party vendor chosen choses not to card patrons?
'Frat Night' Crackdown in NJ
58 arrested in 'frat night' crackdown
ABC probe targets drinking by students with action at restaurant in Union Twp.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
BY JASON JETT
Star-Ledger Staff
Nearly 60 college students were arrested in a state ABC undercover investigation of underage drinking during "fraternity night" at a restaurant in Union Township.
"We are very concerned about underage drinking since it produces fights and motor-vehicle accidents, and contributes to sexual assaults," state Attorney General Peter Harvey said yesterday in response to the crackdown Thursday at Jumbalaya Restaurant on Stuyvesant Avenue.
"Our goal is to help young people develop into thoughtful and productive adults," he added.
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director Jerry Fischer called the undercover operation "the first salvo" this school year in a continuing initiative to curb alcohol abuse by college students.
He said the program netted 146 arrests between October 2004 and May 2005, explaining underage drinking operations are conducted in college towns similar to those held each summer at the Shore.
"We will continue with this in an effort to stop a whole lot of the bad things that happen from young people violating the law and abusing alcohol," he said. "It not only leads to DWI, but to fights, rapes and things that do not involve hurting anyone physically, like dropping out of college."
The ABC director said a consortium of colleges is cooperating in the effort "in the area of education, to get across to students the need to recognize that the law is for their benefit." He added local police departments also participate.
Fischer said the 58 arrests of male and female students last week in Union was the largest number made in any single operation by the agency.
He would not identify the college the students attended, or name the fraternity that sponsored the event.
A manager at the restaurant, near Edison Terrace and the border of Maplewood, said most of the students attend Seton Hall University in South Orange. He was not aware of which Greek organization on that campus sponsored the party.
The restaurant manager disputed the number of arrests, saying initially he was told the number was 34. He referred other questions to the owner, who did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Township police alerted state ABC officials of the fraternity party, and joined in the crackdown.
A police spokesman said Jumbalaya is popular among college students, and not typically viewed as a troublespot. He added the only police reports have been from nearby residents complaining of noise when patrons leave after the establishment closes.
nion Township police detective Dale G. Baird said the fraternity party was a popular event.
"The place was packed," he said. "There was no fire-code violation, but it was a nice-size crowd there."
Baird said each student arrested was issued a municipal court summons by the state ABC, and will have to appear in court.
When asked to characterize his department's role in the investigation, Baird said simply, "We learned of a fraternity party, and notified the state. And this was the result of that."
ABC Director Fischer commended local police and his own agents for the cooperative work.
"We were able to let young people know that if they choose to break the law, they will have to face serious consequences," he said. "Our division will continue to work with local and county law enforcement officers to aggressively look for underage drinkers, and those who attempt to buy or serve alcohol to them."
Fischer noted that since Jumbalaya will have to come before the state ABC board to answer to its violations, he could not comment on specifics about the crackdown there.
Jason Jett reports on Union Township. He may be contacted at
jjett@starledger.com or (908) 302-1509.
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