Cape May County Strictly Enforces Laws Prohibiting Underage Drinking

For the past 21 years Cape May County has conducted a program whereby both public and private sectors come together to discourage underage drinking. The “We Check For 21” program was started by NJ State Parole Board Chairman, James Plousis, in 1993 when he was sheriff and has since been implemented statewide. The original slogan of the campaign was “If you are too young to buy, don’t even try”. Restaurants and bars in the county train their staff to recognize fake IDs to discourage underage drinkers from buying alcohol. Nearly 300 fake IDs were turned away over the Memorial Day weekend by bar and restaurant s staff and those who could not prove they were 21 were refused the purchase of alcohol.

All it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time to receive an underage possession or consumption of alcohol charge. This has the potential to cause an underage drinker to have a criminal record.

Every year many young adults visit Cape May County Shore and end up charged with underage consumption and possession of alcohol offenses. These are criminal charges and are dealt with in municipal court. Underage drinking is punishable by a fine of no less than $500.00 and loss of driver’s license for a minimum of six months.

In an attempt to discourage underage drinking a promotion campaign will be conducted this summer which will include fliers, road signs, radio and television commercials.