LANSING – In an effort to curb underage drinking, the Michigan House of Representatives today passed legislation proposed by State Representative Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) that would create a check-out system for people who purchase beer kegs. The legislation aims to reduce alcohol-related incidents and fatalities.
"Kids out there are being injured from alcohol consumption at house parties because of carelessness and the lack of accountability," Meadows said. "My bill makes it easier for law enforcement to crack down on those persons who illegally provide the alcohol and hopefully will save some lives."
Under Meadows' legislation:
- A retailer would be required to attach an identification tag or other type of identification to a beer keg at point of sale.
- The purchaser of the keg would be required to fill out and sign a receipt. The Liquor Control Commission would provide the receipt containing a place for the printed name, address, phone number and signature of the purchaser and keg number.
- Law enforcement can charge the purchaser if the keg is part of an underage party or "blind pig."
Under the legislation the receipt filled out by the purchaser would include a notice that the individual signing it cannot damage the keg or remove the attached tag and is subject to liability for serving the beer to any minor. The penalty for removing or defacing a keg tag is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
"This legislation is meant to make consumers more aware of the dangers of unchecked, underage drinking and to hold those who provide alcohol accountable," Meadows said. "My job is to protect our residents, and the purpose of this bill is to prevent unnecessary deaths or life-changing injuries. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation."