Purim can be a very fun and exciting holiday. However, if safety precautions are not followed it can be very dangerous. Please be aware that the Lakewood Police Department will be around to keep everyone safe.
Please celebrate responsibly! Drinking and driving do not mix, please make sure that there are designated drivers. Please also be aware that providing alcohol to someone under the age of 21 is illegal and it can be dangerous! Also fireworks are very dangerous and illegal in New Jersey!!
Be alert to the fact that, in their excitement, children may not be careful when crossing the street. Always be on the lookout for youngsters jutting out from in between cars.
Please be considerate to your neighbors during this time of celebration, especially in the late evening hours. By being aware of circumstances and taking a few precautions, we can have a safe and happy Purim.
Note that the comment about serving to kids under 21 does NOT apply to parents serving to their own children, or to other children in the presence of and with permission of their parents. So people whose kids are drinking at the Purim seuda don't have to worry about this. But it would apply to serving drinks to bochurim collecting and the like.
ReplyDeleteSee: http://codes.findlaw.com/nj/title-2c-the-new-jersey-code-of-criminal-justice/nj-st-sect-2c-33-17.html
I would guess that if the kid drinks a bit at a Purim seuda where the parents are not present (e.g. at a yeshiva or with relatives), you could get away with it based on the "religious rite" exemption. But not if the kid gets smashed or if there's some serious outcome CV. Also: I'm not a lawyer, so take this advice FWIW.
It's none of the government's business if I choose to serve alcohol to my teenager. Let them enforce illegal immigration first, then we can talk about my use of alcohol.
ReplyDelete