The Princeton Borough Council may revisit a possible alcohol ordinance as a futher attempt to combat underage drinking at the 'Street' — an ordinance that until recently was considered dead.
Former N.J. governor Christie Whitman in June signed a law, which would allow towns to adopt ordinances, permitting police to cite underage drinkers on private property — including inside the eating clubs.
Though Borough Police Chief Thomas Michaud introduced the new state law to the council in September, the council has never fully discussed the ordinance.
The ordinance has already taken effect in neighboring college towns and municipalities along the Jersey shore, for which the state law originally was crafted.
Prompted by incidents cited in the monthly Borough Police report, Councilman David Goldfarb encouraged discussion of the ordinance at the Jan. 23 meeting.
The report noted that seven students were taken to Princeton Medical Center with alcohol poisoning during December. The report also listed the second alcohol-related sexual assault on campus within two months.
"This was a high number compared to previous months," Borough Police Capt. Charles Davall said. "We can go months without having anything. This was an unusual run."
In response to the increased number of incidents that Borough officials believe resulted from excessive drinking at the 'Street,' the council requested a recommendation from its public safety committee, which advises the council on the welfare of Borough residents.
"We've got to find an effective way of dealing with [underage drinking]," Goldfarb said. "This ordinance is going to be better than not having it."
The committee in November had tabled discussion of the ordinance indefinitely to resolve previous discussion about livery licenses. To further puncture plans for the ordinance, council members were hesitant to support the idea last fall, saying they were "100 percent," "completely" and "absolutely" against it.
But supporters of the ordinance said they believe it may be more successful in the second round.
"They just need to be more informed," Borough police chief Thomas Michaud explained as to why council members originally were hesitant. "When we get an opportunity to discuss it more fully, it should alleviate some concerns."
Despite Goldfarb's support, most Borough officials remain undecided about the ordinance.
"I haven't changed my mind about anything," said public safety committee chair Mildred Trotman, who now also serves as Borough council president.
"I'm not going to take a position until I've heard all sides," she said. "No one's knocking down doors to get this ordinance passed."
Trotman said the public safety committee would not have a chance to discuss the ordinance until its March meeting, which has not yet been scheduled. She emphasized that there may be other methods of dealing with the underage drinking problem at the 'Street.'
Other strategies Borough police have considered include meetings with club officers and sending students into clubs in undercover investigations.
"If we find we have success by talking to club leadership maybe it will take care of itself," Borough mayor Marvin Reed said.
"Until then," he said, "we will use whatever tools we have, whatever it takes to deal with the problem."
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