Barrington Doctor Pleads Not Guilty to Hosting Drinking Party for Teens

A Barrington doctor pleaded not guilty in District Court today, Aug. 7, to violating Rhode Island's "social host law" for allegedly hosting a drinking party for his son and 30 teenage friends at his home on July 30, according to the Associated Press.

Dr. Bruce Becker, a professor at Brown University's Alpert Medical School, faced a misdemeanor charge of procuring alcohol for a minor.

Barrington police said they found beer, vodka and champagne after breaking up the July 30 party. The police also said that Becker told the teens to run as soon as he say officers appeared at his home in response to a report of loud music disturbing the neighbors.

He also allegedly told some of the teens to not take a preliminary breath test to determine if they had been drinking.

Becker told police that he purchased soda for his son's 18th birthday party and didn't know that alcohol was being served. Police said a table was set up for playing beer pong, a popular drinking game, and many of the teens at the party dropped cans of beer as they ran.

The Providence Journal reported that Becker declined comment through his attorney. He was released and told to appear in court again on Aug. 23.

Becker's arraignment lasted just three minutes, according to wpri.com. He was ordered to submit to an alcohol screening, which may lead to counseling.