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It's last call for Missouri's minors

April 20, 2005
By: Ian Roth
State Capital Bureau
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The party could be over for Missouri's youth if legislators adopt a bill intended to curb underage binge drinking.

Ian Roth has more on this story from the state capitol.

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Under the bill teen drinkers could lose their drivers' licenses for up to two years the first time they are caught drinking, and four years if they are caught again.

The bill also creates stricter penalties for adults who serve alcohol to minors, allowing up to a year of imprisonment and steeper fines.

The bill also establishes requirements for public schools to develop alcohol policies to punish teen drinkers as well.

The bill's sponser, Sen. Michael Gibbons, a Republican from St. Louis County, said even though he doesn't think he can stop teens from drinking, he is out to send a message.

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Contents: "No one is under the delusion that we can eliminate it, but we need to do a better job of reducing it. What came through loud and clear was that it takes a real comprehensive effort. The message needs to come from home, from school, from peers, from law enforcement, from the courts, from the community itself that there is no responsible underage drinking."

Should the Bill pass, the new laws would take effect August 28th of 2005.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Ian Roth.