FRANKLIN TWP. — The Township Committee will discuss at its meeting tonight an ordinance that would regulate the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors on private property.

The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building on Sidney Road.

While state law forbids the sale of alcohol to those under 21, and forbids minors from consuming alcohol on public property, it is not against state law for minors to consume alcohol on private property. While a parent may legally serve alcohol to their underage child, it is generally a criminal violation to provide alcohol to anyone else under the age of 21; exemptions exist, such as allowing minors to use alcohol as part of a culinary program.

County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns has written to two dozen county municipalities asking them to consider approving a model ordinance that he’s provided. Kearns said the ordinance gives local police a tool to combat underage drinking. More than half of the state’s municipalities already have such a ordinance.

In Hunterdon, only West Amwell and Clinton townships have already enacted similar ordinances.

A detailed article about Kearns’ proposal is here.