The dawn of a new academic year at area colleges has La Crosse police again stepping up enforcement of alcohol-related offenses.

Police increase patrols in September and October as underage drinking surges with the return of college students. The extra enforcement is funded through a state Department of Transportation grant and overtime allotment.

"Obviously the police department takes a strong stand on violations of this type," said La Crosse police Lt. Bob Berndt.

Officers fined four people a total of more than $34,000 over Labor Day weekend, primarily for providing alcohol to underage drinkers.

Michael Beilman, 21, of 1602 Main St., was fined $6,960 for serving 24 minors from a keg Sept. 5 at a party at 1329 Vine St., according to police reports released Tuesday. He also received a $1,298 keg registration violation ticket for listing an incorrect address where the beer would be served on the registration form.

Three roommates were fined about $9,000 each for selling alcohol to minors and without a license during a Sept. 4 party at 909 Vine St., police reports stated.

Citations carrying such hefty fines are rare, police said, and a municipal judge decides the amount actually paid on a case-by-case basis.

But in 2007, a 19-year-old UW-L student was ordered to pay the full $1,608 fine for a keg registration violation after being found guilty at trial.

The city's keg registration ordinance, in place since 2005, provides another tool against those illegally serving alcohol, Berndt said.

Registration papers on file at the store where the keg was purchased can prove it was not consumed at the listed address, as required, or if someone has exceeded the limit of renting only two kegs within 48 hours.