As reported by Katie Mulvaney in the January 6, 2011 edition of the Providence Journal, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Town of Narragansett's sticker policy is constitutional. In response to complaints by residents, the Town of Narragansett passed an ordinance allowing for police to place stickers on so called "party houses" that are considered to be a nuisance. The University of Rhode Island Student Senate and local landlords challenged the ordinance as unconstitutional, but have lost at the U.S. District Court level and now at the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Pursuant to Sec. 46-31 of the Narragansett Town Ordinance, the ordinance at issue states "a gathering of five or more persons on any private property in a manner which constitutes a substantial disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property in a significant segment of a neighborhood, as a result of conduct constituting a violation of law," is a public nuisance. Public drunkenness, serving alcohol to minors and excessive noise are all examples of illegal activity. The ordinance allows the police to place a sticker on any house that is found to be violating the ordinance and fine violators, without ever having a hearing on the matter. Property owners of the "party houses" may also face fines.
If you or a family member has been charged with underage possession of alcohol, serving alcohol to minors or other alcohol offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.