Bill would make underage drinking hosts pay
By the Green Bay Press-Gazette
DE PERE - "Parents who host, lose the most," is a slogan coined by law enforcement and youth anti-drug organizations to deter the enabling of underage drinking. But the concept doesn't carry much legal weight in Wisconsin — something Rep. André Jacque wants to change.
Jacque, R-De Pere, announced during a Monday news conference at St. Norbert College that he and Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, are reintroducing legislation to clarify state law regarding hosting underage drinking and where it takes place.
Jacque said there's a "social host" loophole under current state statute. It prohibits adults 21 and older from allowing people under the legal drinking age to drink on premises they own or control. In recent years, however, the term "premises" has been interpreted as only those establishments with alcohol permits — such as bars and liquor stores — meaning there are no clear ramifications for adults who host underage drinking parties on their property.
The goal of the legislation, he said, is to eliminate any confusion or room for interpretation when it comes to the rules as well as the consequences adults who enable underage drinking could face. Under the new legislation, penalties start with a minimum $500 fine.
It's about more than just punishment, though. He said making alcohol less accessible likely will reduce incidents of drunk driving, alcoholism and more, creating a safer, healthier environment for the state's youth.
Thomas Doughman, assistant director of counseling and psychological services at St. Norbert and representative of the Brown County alcohol and drug abuse task force, said new legislation is needed to combat a statewide underage binge drinking problem. Binge drinking, he said, amounts to five alcoholic beverages in one hour for males, four for females.
"The culture here in Wisconsin embraces drinking ... that's a positive aspect if it's done responsibly," Doughman said. "But the younger you are when you start drinking, the more likely you are to have an issue with abuse or dependence."
The legislation originally was brought before the Assembly Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security during the 2013-14 session. It passed 7-1, but didn't make it to the Senate.
With seemingly little committee opposition, as well as support from Wanggaard, the Wisconsin Medical Society and multiple state law enforcement associations, Jacque said he expects the Senate will be interested in the legislation this time around.