Dukakis Cracks Down On Underage Drinkers

Gov. Michael S. Dukakis declared yesterday that "the party's over for underage drinkers," kicking off Project Stop, the state's new campaign against the use of fake identification to purchase alcohol.

At a press conference yesterday, representatives from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA), the Massachusetts Package Store Owner's Association, WNEV-TV Channel 7, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission announced a program aimed at enforcing the new Massachusetts I.D. law.

Under that law, the state can suspend a Massachusetts drivers licence and registration from six months to a year for people younger than 21 convicted of using false I.D.'s to obtain alcohol.

The law also allows the state to "revoke the right to operate a vehicle on the roads of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" for anyone convicted who does not reside in Massachusetts, said Kathi Connely, who works for the Registry. Officials plan to notify the states of convicted offenders who are not from Massachusetts, Connely added.

According to officials, Project Stop will give some teeth to this new law, even though such drinking-age laws are traditionally difficult to enforce.

The plan allows employees at restaurants and stores who suspect they have been given a fake I.D. to confiscate it and notify the Registry. Under the plan, the Registry will then hold a hearing to determine if the I.D. is actually false, and decide on a penalty.

In addition, the program's organizers will send restaurants and stores a videotape on how to spot false I.D.'s and underaged drinkers. The restaurants and stores involved in the campaign will also display Project Stop posters that state "Six Months is a Long Time to Walk."

Thom McCabe, MRA president, said his organization is serious about enforcement.

"If you are underage and you see a Project Stop logo sign, turn around. Run, don't walk, if you are thinking of using a fake I.D," he said.

McCabe said MRA has decided to take an active part in this campaign because "we are penalized if someone slips through the cracks."

"The standard penalty for serving someone underaged is a six-day closing," he said. "That puts 135 employees out of work for six days and I lose a lot of money."

McCabe said he hopes all of MRA's more than 2000 members will comply when they learn about the program, although participation is not mandatory. Many popular Harvard Square restaurants, including the Border Cafe, Wursthaus, Pizzeria Uno's and Chili's are MRA members.

Although yesterday's announcement comes more than two months after the law was passed, officials said the timing of the announcement would get the attention of many high school and college students who have returned to classes.

"Students are back now," said Connely. "We are trying to get the word out so they will know what to expect. The state is getting tougher."

Bob Hutchinson, also of the Registry, said that the state has been communicating with other states to encourage them to adopt similiar programs.