House Republican Press Release

April 19, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hovey:  Bill Similar to Monroe Underage Drinking Ordinance Passes House

Measure would Discourage Parents, Other Adults, from Hosting Keg Parties for Teenagers

A bill similar to a Monroe ordinance that prohibits parents and other adults from hosting parties where teenagers and other underage youths are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages was approved by the state House of Representatives Tuesday on a 123 – 23 vote, state Representative DebraLee Hovey said today.

The legislation (House Bill 5211), now goes to the state Senate for further action, said Representative Hovey, R-112th District.

“This legislation is very similar to an ordinance that was passed by the Monroe Town Council last year that prohibits parents and other adults from holding house parties where teenagers and other underage children are allowed to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages,” Representative Hovey said. “If enacted, it will subject every town in the state to the same rules that apply in Monroe. That means that Monroe parents whose children will be attending a party in another town won’t have to rely on the good judgment of the adults hosting the event to ensure it remains alcohol free.”

“If the Senate passes this measure before the General Assembly adjourns May 3rd, it will mean every municipality in the state will have to adhere to the same law. Parents who live in towns like Monroe that enacted their own ordinances to prohibit these kinds of parties will no longer have to worry about their children attending a keg party in another town, becoming intoxicated, and being killed or seriously injured in an automobile accident on their way home,” Representative Hovey said.

The bill makes it illegal for parents or other adults to knowingly allow minors to illegally possess alcohol in their home or apartment unit or on their property. The bill makes a first offense an infraction and subsequent offenses subject to up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.

The bill does not make it illegal for parents to serve their own children beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their homes, Representative Hovey said.