Breaking alcohol laws carries hefty fines for students
In efforts to maintain a responsible and law-abiding student body, USU is
working in conjunction with the Logan City Police Department to educate
students about charges and the accompanying fines.
Students need to be informed of city laws, especially those regarding
alcohol, said Tiffany Evans, director of the Student Involvement and
Leadership Center.
“They really need to understand the consequences of what may seem to
be nothing more than a party on the weekend,” Evans said. “We fully support
the Logan City Police and anything we can do to assist them, we will do.”
Sgt. Tyson Budge of the Logan City Police Department also said it
is important for young people to know about alcohol laws prior to becoming
intoxicated and before their judgment is impaired.
“We want to educate home owners and students about the liability of
what can occur when you mix a lot of people and alcohol. We want to educate
people, making them aware of the responsibilities of hosting a party without
trouble,” Budge said.
In information published by the LCPD, they offer tips to holding a
trouble-free party. They include keeping guests indoors after 10 p.m., noting
they are called most often to report loud talking and laughing. Playing music
at a lower volume after 10 p.m. is also a suggestion. It is a violation of an
ordinance if music can be heard outside of the residence.
The police also warn against allowing the consummation of alcohol by
minors at a party if hosted by someone 21 or older because it is a violation
of the law.
Budge said students should be aware of the conditions in which one
could receive a Class A or B misdemeanor. Budge said someone could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor by knowingly providing alcohol to a minor.
“A Class A misdemeanor is jailable. You don’t get a ticket – you go to
jail,” Budge said.
Budge said a fine of $782 is also a consequence of supplying alcohol
to someone under the age of 21.
Recklessly and unknowingly supplying alcoholic beverages to a minor
constitutes a Class B misdemeanor.
“If you are providing a place for minors to get alcohol, you can get
in trouble without handing them a beer. In your house, you are liable,” Budge
said.
Other fines Budge would like students to be aware of include minor in
possession of alcohol (MIP), $492; public intoxication, $182; disorderly conduct,
$312; possession of a keg, $402; and driving under the influence, $1,295.
These fines include an 80 percent surcharge, money that goes directly to the state of Utah to help fund alcohol law enforcement.
“There is only so much educating we can do. The rest is enforcement of
the law. We hope it makes a difference,” Budge said. “It’s a hard thing. It
‘s frustrating.
Aside from breaking the law, Evans said students should also be careful
their actions do not violate Utah State’s code of conduct or the academic
honor code.
“First and foremost we want students to be responsible and
safe and not do anything to hinder their academic performance,” Evans said. “Having fines over your head is not the most conducive to academic success.”
ariek@cc.usu.edu