DES MOINES (MCT) — Hosts who knowingly allow minors to consume alcoholic beverages on their property could face a $200 misdemeanor fine under a bill approved Thursday by the Iowa Senate and sent to Gov. Terry Branstad for his consideration.
Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and floor manager of Senate File 2310, said Thursday’s action represented “a major victory in the fight against underaged drinking.”
Hogg said he hoped the bill would help lower the number of young people who drive under the influence of alcohol by cracking down on adults who allow those 17 or younger to drink illegally on their property.
Before passing the bill, senators approved House changes that removed 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds from the bill and exempted landlords from the provisions. The bill also does not preempt local governments from passing tougher ordinances.
There currently are 22 counties and 26 cities in Iowa that have ordinances barring adults from hosting events where alcohol is illegally consumed by underage persons.
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