It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to:
Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage by a minor in a Motor Vehicle [14-111a]
While not considered an arrest, any underage person (under the age of 21) who has any type of an alcoholic beverage in their vehicle will receive a written warning. A copy of this warning is sent to the Department of Motor Vehicle. DMV will contact the operator to appear for a motor vehicle hearing at which time it will be determined whether the person’s operator’s license will be suspended and for how long. If a minor has any alcoholic beverages in their vehicle and person of legal age is accompanying them, then there is no violation.
Underage drinking ordinance
Definitions - "Alcoholic Liquor" shall be as defined in section 30-1(3) of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. "Host" shall mean to organize a gathering of two(2) or more persons or allow the premises under one's control to be used with one's knowledge for a gathering of two (2) or more persons for personal, social, or business interaction. "Minor" shall mean a person under the age of twenty-one (21), as defined in section 30-1(12) of the Connecticut General Statues, as amended.
Possession - No person under the age of twenty-one (21)shall be in possession of any container of alcoholic liquor, whether open, unopened or closed, within the Town of Wilton except when accompanied by or in the presence of his or her parent, guardian or spouse who has attained the age of twenty-one(21) years. The restriction shall apply to both public and private property.
Hosting Events - No person shall host an event which allows the consumption or dispensing of alcoholic liquor to or by a minor or minors unless said minor or minors is or are accompanied by or in the presence of his or her parent, guardian or spouse who has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years. The prohibitions shall apply to any event or gathering within the Town of Wilton, whether conducted on public or private property.
Exceptions - the following shall be exceptions to the provisions of this ordinance: 1. A person who is an employee or permit holder under Connecticut General Statues 30-90a and who possesses alcoholic liquor in the course of his or her employoment or business; 2.A minor who possesses alcoholic liquor on the order of a practicing physician; 3. The possession or consumption of alcoholic liquor by a minor as a part of a religious service; and 4. The possession of alcoholic liquor as otherwise permitted by law.
Penalty - Any person violating any provision of this act shall be subject to a fine of $99.00.
Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs [14-227a]
While the State has a blood alcohol content law of .10%, it has also adopted a “zero tolerance” level for underage drivers. The limit for any person operating a motor vehicle under the age of 21 is .02%. Any person with this or a higher level will be arrested and charged with DUI. In addition to the criminal prosecution, a copy of the report is forwarded to DMV for a hearing to determine if the person’s operating privileges should be suspended.
Sale or Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages to Minors [30-86]
While DUI arrests are considered motor vehicle charges, this statute is considered a criminal violation. Any person, regardless of age, who sells or provides alcoholic beverages to a minor will be arrested and sent to court. This statute includes providing alcoholic beverages to minors as in the case of a party. If there is an underage party where alcohol is served, provided, or purchased, the person responsible for the party will be arrested. If it is determined that parents are at home, they may be arrested. Violation of this law is a felony.
The Wilton Police Department understands that word gets out about parties. A person may have permission to have a few friends over, but the party may be crashed by uninvited guests. Because the police are aware of this, they will come to your home and assist you in removing your uninvited guests so that you may continue to enjoy yourselves in a safe and legal manner.
Possession of Alcoholic Beverages by a Minor in Public [30-89]
Any person under the age of 21 who is found to be in possession of an alcoholic beverage in public will be arrested and required to appear in court. This offense carries a fine of $200-$500. If convicted, DMV also mandates a 150-day operator license suspension.
Misrepresentation of Age to Procure Alcoholic Beverages [30-88a]
This offense involves any person who misrepresents their age or who uses or exhibits an operator’s license belonging to another person to procure alcoholic beverages. It carries a fine of $200-$500 and a possible imprisonment of 30 days. DMV will also suspend the offender’s operator’s license for 150 days.
The Wilton Police Department understands that there are questions that may arise from time to time regarding the laws they enforce. If you have any questions, please call the Wilton Police Department at 203-834-6260.