Grayslake man cited after party busted

A 51-year-old Grayslake man has been cited by police for having an underage drinking party at his house last month, officials said Monday.

Michael Reckling, 51, of the 100 block of Parker Drive, received the citation after hosting the party on July 24, Grayslake Police Chief Larry Herzog said.

Police were called by neighbors to the Reckling home because of excessive noise. When on scene, officers saw at least five people who were underage drinking alcohol, Herzog said.

Reckling was cited under the village's "social hosting" ordinance, approved by the village board in September 2009. This is the first citation under that law, Herzog said.

Under the ordinance, the owner of a home who allows a party where underage drinking is taking place can be cited with a village ticket, Herzog said. The citation comes with a maximum $500 fine.

Police Cmdr. Matt McCutcheon said 10 people - seven males and three females - were cited by police for underage drinking.

He said all charged were 20 years old. Two were from Gurnee, one was from Orland Park, one was from Lake Villa and six were from Grayslake.

Herzog said Reckling was not charged at the party, but was cited two weeks later after village prosecutors reviewed the facts of the case before applying the "social hosting" ordinance.

Reckling was home during the party and people under the age of 21 were given a Breathalyzer at the party to prove they had been consuming alcohol, Herzog said.