MONROE – Orange County
now has a social host law. County Executive Steven Neuhaus signed the
bill recently approved by the county legislature, making it a crime to
serve alcoholic beverages to minors at one’s home.
The law, which was first proposed a year ago by District Attorney David
Hoovler, rose to the surface after Justin Speights of the Town of Wallkill,
was stabbed to death during a New Year’s Eve party in the Town of
Crawford. An estimated 100 people attended at a private home, many of
whom were reported to be under the legal drinking age.
“Underage drinking is a concern and the signing of this law sends
anther message that Orange County is serious about addressing it,”
Neuhaus said at a formal bill signing at Monroe-Woodbury High School on
Tuesday.
A person convicted for the first time would be fined $500 and up to 30
hours of community service. A second violation would result in a fine
of $1,000 and/or up to one year in the county jail.
(l-r) DA Hoovler, County Executive Neuhaus and Sheriff Carl DuBois,
at the signing of the new law Tuesday
