Police officers back underage drinking bill

Bill would prohibit adults from knowingly permitting or failing to prevent underage drinking

MADISON, Wis. — Law enforcement officers are backing a bill that would prohibit adults from knowingly permitting or failing to prevent underage drinking in Wisconsin.

Right now, adults are only responsible for underage drinking or alcohol purchases at bars or liquor stores that they own.

The proposal from Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, would expand that responsibility to all properties adults own, including their homes. Currently, counties can set up their own ordinances but only two have such rules.

In a letter sent to lawmakers Tuesday, Appleton police Lt. Michael Frisch says officers couldn’t cite adults who hosted an underage drinking party a few years ago because of the current law’s limits. He says the new bill will help.

The bill is also sponsored by Rep. Penny Bernard-Schaber, D-Appleton.