State Legislators Talk Bill on Underage Drinking
City-Times Staff
Under a new bill being considered by state representatives, adults who knowingly permit underage drinking- or fail to prevent it- could be fined or imprisoned under a new proposed underage drinking law.
A hearing on the proposal is scheduled for today.
Under current law, adults only have to stop underage drinking if it happens at a pub, bar or liquor store they own. The proposal from Rep. Andre Jacque would apply that requirement to all properties they own, including their homes.
Jacque introduced another bill in March that would allow liquor license holders to sue underage patrons — or their parents, if they’re still minors — if they misrepresent themselves as 21 or older in an attempt to buy or consume alcohol on the premises.
Jacque said that bill would deter minors from sneaking into bars, in turn curbing binge drinking and drunken driving.