Little discussed the relatively new state social host law, in which he believed 17 citations had been written.  “I think that is one of the better tools in our tool box that we got recently,” he said.

The criteria for the law is that anyone in possession or consuming alcohol anywhere on a property and is underage, charges are applicable.  Adults are criminally and civilly liable for the underage drinking that takes place on their property. Passed in 2006, the law stems from a 2002 incident in Barrington, where underage alcohol-related deaths had plagued the town.  

The penalties for a violation of the statutes range from a $350-$1,000 fine and possible imprisonment for a first-time offense, to a felony charge punishable by a $1,000-$2,500 fine and three years imprisonment for a three-time offender.

The penalties for a violation of the possession of beverage by an underage person range from a $150-$750 fine for a first offense, to a $450-$950 fine for a third offense.  All cases, regardless of frequency, include 30 hours of community service and a minimum 60 day license suspension.  In addition, a second offense may also include a substance abuse assessment.

“I will say that the numbers we’ve got right now are running a little bit lower than they were last year which I think is a good year,” said Little.

 Storme presented some statistics concerning Narragansett. He reminded the group that these statistics were from September to June of 2007-2008 and this year’s numbers were from September 2008 until February 2009.  He also stated one must keep in mind these are not solely college students, that some statistics also involve the general public.

There were 77 citations for DUI’s last year and this year there were 26.  For possession of alcohol charges, last year numbered 88 and so far this year there are 22.  A bulk of these charges were in the months of September and October, said Storme.

"It has dropped. That coincides with a lot of the educational programs we are running between the realty companies, police, and the neighborhood associations,” Storme said of the possession charges.
The charge of transportation of alcohol was not able to be assessed last year because it was still in the legislature for rewording. This year the law was rewritten and police are now able to enforce the ruling. Storme said this year there have been 46 charges.

Such citations originate from police officers doing car stops and anyone under the age of 21 with alcohol in their vehicle can be charged. Storme explained there are certain exceptions, such as a parent with a child in their car, but the majority of these charges are students going to house parties.

"We are getting the alcohol off the streets before it even gets to the neighborhoods,” Storme said.
Noise complaints last year numbered 464 and this year are at 301. Storme said they have been down for the last few years. He said this has to do with the education that has been given and the nuisance ordinance which has been strengthened, both helping to curtail rowdy behavior.

Arrests last year numbered 195 and this year are up to 102. “Barring a severe change in attitude and behavior I see us coming in well under the 195 number,” said Storme.   He also credited a good working relationship with university officials assigned to oversee off-campus issues.

Orange stickers were down significantly said Storme, from 78 last year to 31 so far this year.  It is anticipated those figures will also be less than last year’s number.  "We have come a long, long way to this point and I think it’s working well,” Chief Little said, relevant to all of the statistics presented.