NORTH READING — With graduations, holidays and special celebrations approaching, Chief Michael Murphy would like to remind North Reading residents about the town’s Social Host Bylaw.

A social host is anyone who furnishes alcohol or allows it to be consumed on site. A social host may be the property owner, renter or lessee; the person in control of the property; or the party organizer.

A social host may face fines and a civil citation if they provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21.

A social host must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of minors, including:

• Controlling access to liquor

• Verifying the age of attendees

• Supervising the activities of minors

Minors also may be cited for hosting parties at the home of their parent or guardian without their knowledge.

A first offense carries a $100 fine. A second offense carries a $200 fine. Those cited also will be charged a $100 administrative fee. A third offense within 12 months carries a $300 fine.

Town Meeting approved the Social Host Bylaw in 2017. The bylaw gives North Reading Police the ability to use civil penalties rather than criminal penalties found in state law, allowing the department to educate and engage the public as well as offer “diversion programs” for youths.

“Serving alcohol to minors is against the law. Underage drinking can lead to poor decision-making that can have consequences that last a lifetime,” Chief Murphy said. “We want our graduates, with the support of adults, to celebrate their achievement without alcohol.”

“Often, adults think that taking keys and limiting driving is good enough to protect youth, but accidents can easily happen at home or within walking distance,” said North Reading Drug-Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz.

She adds, “We also hope to remind adults that introducing any substance, including alcohol, to a developing brain can have lasting effects.”

For more information about the Social Host Bylaw townspeople may visit https://www.northreadingma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3591/f/uploads/social_host_ordinance_handout_2019.pdf.