Add low-point beer to law to protect teens

Sen. Debbe Leftwich

I’ve raised two sons, and I know the temptations our kids face these days. I also know parents have to work hard to counter the peer pressure for kids to drink. But I am stunned that there are parents or other adults who allow minors to drink alcohol or abuse drugs while in their home, or who simply don’t bother to properly supervise parties on their property.

According to the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, underage drinkers consume 20 percent of all alcohol sold in Oklahoma, and adults are the most common source of alcohol for underage drinkers. The most common place for minors to drink is in someone’s home. We also know those who drink in large groups are more likely to have five or more drinks at one time.

In 2006, the Legislature passed a Social Host law making it illegal to give alcohol or drugs to a minor. It was a good start, but we need to do more to combat this problem. Under the current Social Host law, the penalties can only be applied if a child dies or is seriously injured. In addition, the law does not cover low-point beer which is the beverage of choice for underage drinkers.

My legislation, Senate Bill 1530, would add low-point beer to existing law and strengthen provisions to hold adults more accountable. Anyone providing a location for underage drinking would be issued a citation and fine. Offenders would face misdemeanors for the first and second offenses and a felony for any additional offenses, with fines ranging from $500 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second and a fine of up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. In addition, first- and second-time offenders could serve up to a year in jail. Third-time offenders could find themselves behind bars for up to five years.

Why do we need to take this action?

First and foremost, this is a matter of life and death. Alcohol is the primary contributor to the leading causes of teen death, including auto accidents, homicide and suicide.

Holding adult hosts accountable for what minors do on their property is not a new concept. Several cities around the state have approved similar municipal ordinances, including Edmond, Tulsa, Weatherford, Enid, Alva, Clinton, Tecumseh and many more. I’d also like to point out that SB 1530 has been endorsed by the Governor’s Task Force on Underage Drinking and the Oklahoma Prevention Policy Alliance.

When this measure was passed by the Senate on March 4, it was unanimous. The bill has since been assigned to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, but as of yet, it has not been heard, and unless a vote is taken soon, the bill will be dead.

The problem of underage drinking in our state is real, and the consequences of doing nothing are devastating. I urge all Oklahomans concerned about this issue to contact their state representatives and tell them we need a vote on SB 1530.



Sen. Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, is the author of SB 1530. Contact her at 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 427A, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, (405) 521-5557, or Click Here

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