Community Corner

Foxborough Votes To Approve Public Drunkenness Fine

A vote of 100-47 approves fine of $200 for public intoxication.

If you get drunk in Foxborough, it's going to cost you.

Voters voted 100-47  to approve a $200 fine for public drunkenness at Monday's special town meeting . 

The public intoxication fine of $200, which was presented under article 10 in the town warrant, was altered shortly before the meeting by town officials in order to incorporate "clearer language."

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The new language in the article was presented and read out-loud twice by town officials. Town Counsel then clarified the "significant changes in language" to the public which included:

  • The fine of $200 does not pertain to one who may be intoxicated in their own home.
  • There is no criminal element involved with the fine.
  • There is no requirement for protective custody.

"Motion to the move the article," which would have ceased debate, was presented to officials over concerns that there had not been adequate time to review the new language in the article before the vote.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Both town manager Kevin Paicos and police chief Edward O'Leary stated their support of the article.

O'Leary believed that this vote was critical in taking a big step towards "combating alcohol abuse."

"Our community and communities around the country are facing a public health crisis," said O'Leary. "According to the Center of Disease Control, one of the biggest problems facing our country is the abuse of alcohol and we (Foxborough) in particular have had an increase over the past year in alcohol impaired people."

Paicos spoke for approximately four minutes on the proposal, which he compared the fine to "police radar patrol."

"Most of us slow down when we see a radar patrol on the highway because the presence of the possibility of a substantial fine alters our behavior," said Paicos. "The idea of this fine is to alter behavior."

Foxborough residents in favor of fine said "they would fine more than $200 if they could."

Several residents, however, weren't happy with the last minute changes and nature of the fine.

Neil C Kaiser of Ridge Road kicked off the debate by saying,"with all the changes on this article, I move no action."

With article 10 facing numerous road blocks by the public, there was a question of whether there was even going to be a vote.

After a vote to motion a "move of the question,"  was adopted, town officials conducted a vote "on a move of no action." After that vote was rejected, the majority voted to approve the fine.

The new fine will take effect, once approval is granted at the attorney general’s office, who have yet to review the plan.


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