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Senate Passes Meyer's Liquor Liability Bill
HB 281 Makes Adults Responsible for Giving Alcohol to Minors

(JUNEAU) - Adults who provide alcohol to minors would be liable for damages or injuries that are caused by the minor, under House Bill 281 the Senate passed into law today.

Rep. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage) introduced HB 281 in an effort to reduce underage access to alcohol. HB 281 would hold the general public to a standard of responsibility and accountability similar to that now required of liquor stores and bars.

"Under current state law, bars and liquor stores that furnish alcohol to minors can be held criminally and civilly responsible for the results, and I feel that similar penalties should be in place for the general public as well," he said. "Underage drinking is a serious problem in Alaska, and the consequences are severe."

In an incident last July, three Anchorage-area teenagers and Anchorage Police Officer Justin Wollam were killed after the teens, who were provided alcohol by adults, fled from police cruisers. The high-speed chase ended with a head-on collision between the youths' car and Wollam's police car. The two adults who provided the alcohol to the minors were convicted Feb. 20 of furnishing alcohol to minors and will serve time in jail and pay fines up to $10,000.

"Once again, a tragedy such as this one has highlighted the severity of underage drinking," Meyer said. "By giving adults significant reason to pause before making the decision to provide alcohol to a minor, HB 281 sends a strong message that we are serious about reducing underage access to alcohol."

Having passed the House and Senate, HB 281 moves next to the governor to be signed into law.

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