PawneeSports
02-17-2006, 09:19 AM
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Published: February 16, 2006 11:57 pm
New alcohol bill will put teeth into penalties
It’s about time.
A lawmaker has finally decided there needs to be some teeth put into laws prohibiting adults from providing alcohol or illegal substances to minors.
House Bill 2762 would make it a felony for any adult to knowingly allow someone under 21 to consume alcohol or other drugs in their home or on their property. The bill includes liquor, drugs and 3.2 beer; however, it does stipulate the person under 21 must not be a child of the adult.
The bill would raise the maximum penalty to five years in prison and/or a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. The current limits are one year and $500 for a misdemeanor.
Local alcohol and drug prevention specialists have been asking for tougher laws for a long time. The problem of adults either buying alcohol or sponsoring alcohol parties for teenagers is at an all-time high in the nation, according to studies. Adults mistakenly believe if they control the circumstances in which minors drink, it will make it a safer activity. The thinking here is minors will drink anyway, so let’s provide them a safe haven to do it.
While that may seem logical to some, it’s really a misguided philosophy. First of all, parents hosting teen parties where alcohol is served or allowed to be consumed are putting themselves under a tremendous liability. Plus, those adults most likely have not consulted the parents of the other teens at the party to get their permission to provide alcohol to their kids.
Also, there are studies that show teens who binge drink at a young age are more likely to have alcohol problems later on in life.
Too many local families have had to undergo the pain of losing a child to illegal alcohol consumption. It’s heart-breaking and avoidable. Until the last 10 years, drinking by minors has been winked at by adults and law enforcement.
That is no longer the case, and we hope by actually arresting and charging adults who provide alcohol to minors, people will get the message it is dangerous and unacceptable.
Published: February 16, 2006 11:57 pm
New alcohol bill will put teeth into penalties
It’s about time.
A lawmaker has finally decided there needs to be some teeth put into laws prohibiting adults from providing alcohol or illegal substances to minors.
House Bill 2762 would make it a felony for any adult to knowingly allow someone under 21 to consume alcohol or other drugs in their home or on their property. The bill includes liquor, drugs and 3.2 beer; however, it does stipulate the person under 21 must not be a child of the adult.
The bill would raise the maximum penalty to five years in prison and/or a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. The current limits are one year and $500 for a misdemeanor.
Local alcohol and drug prevention specialists have been asking for tougher laws for a long time. The problem of adults either buying alcohol or sponsoring alcohol parties for teenagers is at an all-time high in the nation, according to studies. Adults mistakenly believe if they control the circumstances in which minors drink, it will make it a safer activity. The thinking here is minors will drink anyway, so let’s provide them a safe haven to do it.
While that may seem logical to some, it’s really a misguided philosophy. First of all, parents hosting teen parties where alcohol is served or allowed to be consumed are putting themselves under a tremendous liability. Plus, those adults most likely have not consulted the parents of the other teens at the party to get their permission to provide alcohol to their kids.
Also, there are studies that show teens who binge drink at a young age are more likely to have alcohol problems later on in life.
Too many local families have had to undergo the pain of losing a child to illegal alcohol consumption. It’s heart-breaking and avoidable. Until the last 10 years, drinking by minors has been winked at by adults and law enforcement.
That is no longer the case, and we hope by actually arresting and charging adults who provide alcohol to minors, people will get the message it is dangerous and unacceptable.