‘Cops in Shops’ Grant Targets Illicit Attempts to Buy Alcohol

STONE HARBOR – Borough Council took action June 2 that will make it more difficult for underage drinkers to illegally purchase liquor in the borough this summer season.
Council member Albert Carusi announced that the borough had received a “Cops in Shops” grant for the 2015 summer season. The Cops in Shops program was created by the Century Council, a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers. New Jersey adopted the program in 1996. Since its inception, thousands of would-be underage drinkers or adults purchasing alcohol for underage individuals have been arrested because of the added vigilance.
The way the program works is through grants to individual municipalities. Grants fund added law-enforcement personnel or added hours for existing officers to work in or around liquor retail establishments watching for violations. Grants typically run through mid-September.
Carusi said that the grant would help to fund two seasonal officers who will be involved in “added vigilance” aimed at eliminating the sale of alcohol to persons under the legal age. Council unanimously passed the resolution accepting the funds.
Too Much Exuberance?
In another item involving indiscretion by those with a bit too much youthful exuberance, council heard from a resident on 97th Street about teenagers using the roofs of the recreation building and next door garage for amusement. Armed with pictures on her iPad, the resident related seeing the youths sunbathing on the roof and jumping from the roof of one building to the other. Her concern was both for the welfare of the seemingly “invincible” young people and for the borough, which might incur some form of liability if someone sustained a serious injury.
“I brought pictures so you would not think I was just a crazy lady,” she said. As the iPad made its way along the council table, assurances were given that increase police patrols would be used to thwart the young revelers.
New Police HQ Update
Questioned on plans for the new or renovated police station, Council Business Administrator Jill Gougher said that engineering studies should be in soon, perhaps even by the end of the week.
Carusi added that if the studies come in that soon, the Public Safety Committee would probably take up the matter at its June meeting. The committee is charged with making a recommendation to Mayor Suzanne Walters and council concerning the best location for the new police building.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.