De Pere lawmaker pushes to prevent underage drinking parties
GREEN BAY, WI (WFRV) - A bill designed to toughen the law for adults who allow underage drinking at their homes gets its first public hearing next week. Local 5's Kris Schuller reports it has the backing of many during this dangerous time of year.
Graduation season - a time for families and friends to celebrate at home. But according to police the fact is some adults will serve alcohol to those who are underage.
“When these juveniles and underage people are drinking, they are under the influence making some very poor decisions,” said Lt. Jeff Brester of the Green Bay Police Department.
Representative André Jacque says because of a recent court ruling adults only break the law if they allow underage drinking in certain "premises" they own or control - which are licensed to sell alcohol, like a bar or liquor store. Yet the rule does not apply to an individual’s home. Jacque calls it a “social host” loophole that he wants closed.
“It really is important that you do not have easy access to alcohol at a young age,” said Rep. Jacque (R-De Pere).
Jacque is pushing a bill to extend the current law to include adults who allow underage drinking in their homes. Fines would begin at $500.
“Wisconsin is now in the very small minority of states that do not address social hosting,” said Jacque.
“If we can have one more option out there to educate parents and make the kids in the community safe - we are all for it,” Brester said.
Lt. Brester says the law parallels a Department of Health Services campaign underway which says "Parents Who Host, Lose The Most" by leaving themselves open to legal reprecussions.
“If you chose to hold these parties, these are some of the consequence that can happen not only criminally, but civilly,” Brewster said.
A law that Jacque says is overdue.
“If this law passes we will have a very bright line prohibition on adults basically sponsoring underage drinking activity,” Jacque said.
Jacque's bill has its first public hearing in Madison next Wednesday.