Teen drinking arrests in Lynbrook

A recent incident of teenage drinking prompted an informal discussion amongst officials and community members at Lynbrook Village Board’s meeting on Aug. 15.

Several officials addressed the dangers, consequences, and positive alternatives to underage drinking following an illegal party two days before the meeting. The Lynbrook Police Department reported to the scene of a raucous teenage party and arrested two 18-year olds, Emily and Lauren Buckley, for giving alcohol to minors on Aug. 13, as was reported in the Aug. 18-24 Herald’s crime watch.

Police received a call at 12:36 a.m. on Aug. 13 about a gathering on Sherman Street that day, according to Chief Joe Neve. Officers found 15 to 20 people between the ages of 18 and 20 in the home, as well as some hiding on the roof. There were also bottles scattered around the home’s living and dining rooms. The two girls were arrested following an investigation.

“Every summer, teenagers have these parties,” Neve said. “I am concerned with the fact that these youths are consuming alcoholic beverages, and then going home either by walking or driving a car. It is a danger to themselves, or to others.”

He explained that selling, giving, or causing to sell or give any type of alcoholic beverage to people under 21 years old is a class A misdemeanor carrying a penalty of either a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or any combination thereof. If an incident involves a New York State Liquor License carrying business, the state’s Liquor Authority could fine, suspend or revoke the license. The only exception, Neve said, is a parent who gives alcohol to their child.

The incident was related to a prior one in February, Neve said, when officers responded to an afternoon party. A 15-year-old female hosted the party, and one teenager was taken to the hospital due to excessive alcohol consumption. Police also found bottles of Old English Malt Liquor at the scene, according to Neve.

Mayor Bill Hendrick urged parents to pay attention to their children. “Please know what’s going on in your home,” he said. Parents can be responsible and liable for any fights or damage that occurs if a party gets out of hand, Hendrick told the community.

Several incidents have occurred in recent months, noted Neve and Trustee Hilary Becker. A 23-year-old arrestee under the influence of alcohol, punched a teenager in the face, and busted a cash register at a local business just two weeks ago. In fact, four people were arrested for serving alcohol to underage children this year. Recently, a clerk was arrested for selling 27 cans of beer to a 16-year-old teenager at the Quick Convenience Store on Hempstead Avenue. In June, a 19-year-old agent working with Lynbrook Police and the state’s Liquor Authority entered numerous premises in Lynbrook in an attempt to purchase alcohol. The operation resulted in the arrest of a store clerk for selling a can of Four Loko, a high-energy alcoholic beverage at Blossoms Corner on Merrick Road, according to Neve.

A few years ago, police arrived at Peninsula Boulevard to find a group of 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds causing a disturbance on New Years’ Eve, Neve recalled. One teenager was hit by a car and killed after running into the busy street. And now, various groups are using Facebook and Myspace to commit crimes, according to Becker.

“It is only so much law enforcement can do, Becker added. “It’s really a family issue,” he said. “It’s up to the parents to explain what the boundaries are.”

During the Good and Welfare portion, Dan Kirk asked, “What is being done as alternatives?” He wanted to know what events are available to teenagers. The Lynbrook native recounted hanging out with friends in the village. “Police made you feel unwanted around town at night,” he said.

Hendrick was sympathetic to Kirk’s comments, as he said he was told to keep moving by police while hanging out in a crowd in his youth. “It’s a matter of the numbers showing up,” he said.

There used to be a supervised “Saturday Night” program for teenagers, but it was poorly attended, Hendrick said. Currently, there is a full list of various village activities open to children and teenagers, including Lynbrook Roller Hockey and various library programs, he noted.

Neve asked Kirk to look at it from a law enforcement officer’s perspective. Police stop to talk to large teen groups hanging out not because they are bad, but because the businesses around where they have gathered do not know the kids, he said.

“All the members of the Police Department are concerned with the safety of the children of the community,” Neve later said, “and we will strictly enforce the law regarding the giving or serving of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age, whether it is a person at a private party or a store clerk.”