A major crackdown in underage drinking and the serving of alcohol to minors by bar and restaurant establishments in Bergen County, resulted in three arrests at City Place Steak House. One employee and two 19-year-olds were arrested by ABC undercover agents at City Place Steakhouse on Route 17 in Carlstadt Friday, Aug. 3.
Kristen Askin (19) of Rutherford and Elsie Cruz (19) of Nutley were both charged with consuming alcohol under the legal age at the City Place Steakhouse. One of the establishment’s employees, bartender James J. Lopera, 21, of Woodbridge, was also arrested on charges of serving alcohol to minors.
Carlstadt police were not involved in the actual arrests of the three individuals, or the processing of their charges, although police at Carlstadt did receive a telephone call alerting them to a "fight that was going on there" said Carlstadt Sergeant Detective Anthony Bellina. "Our police went down there to investigate, but, in responding, found no disturbance."
If you are under 21 and you buy or drink alcohol in a place with an alcohol beverage license, you may be fined $500 and lose your license for six months. If you do not have your driver’s license, the suspension starts when you are first eligible to receive a license. Additionally, you may be required to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program. If you are under 21 and drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, you will be subjected to the following penalties: loss or postponement of driving privileges for 30 to 90 days; 15 to 30 days of community service and participation in a program of alcohol education and highway safety
"During the summer months, we will be enhancing our efforts to combat underage drinking, using a variety of both new and established law enforcement and public education and awareness initiatives," Attorney General Anne Milgram said. "By using a multi-pronged approach to combating underage drinking, we can ensure a happy, safe and sober summer season for our young people."
ABC Director Jerry Fischer noted young people, as well as their parents, share an equal responsibility in preventing underage drinking and the tragedies that can result from this behavior.
Underage alcohol drinkers and the pubs and clubs who continue to serve minors have had plenty of warning these undercover stings are in operation, with 30-second television public service announcements focusing on the consequences of underage drinking receiving widespread air-play on television stations in New Jersey throughout the summer.
