Proposed 'host' law in parks called redundant

A proposal to extend Suffolk's "social host" law to county parks was criticized as redundant in its first legislative airing. Legis. Ricardo Montano (D-Central Islip) said the law, which he sponsored, already holds parents responsible for teens' illegal drinking in homes and "all other dwellings." And, park officials said, alcoholic beverages are already banned in the parks. Park Commissioner Joseph Montuori said the proposal was aimed to get "more leverage" over such situations. He said he had no statistics to show if drinking is a problem at campsites.

Mark Smith, spokesman for County Executive Steve Levy, denied redundancy, saying, "It will add civil liability into the person serving alcohol." Montano called it "bill-napping" and a bid by Levy for publicity.

- Rick Brand