Underage Drinking Legislation

Effective Oct. 1, 2006
Public Act No. 06-112, AN ACT CONCERNING UNDERAGE DRINKING 

Previously, Connecticut law prohibited minors from possessing alcohol in public  places, but did not prohibit them from possessing alcohol on private property. HB5211 An Act Concerning Underage Drinking addressed this loophole in Connecticut's underage drinking laws by holding both teens and adults accountable  for the problem of underage drinking. This bill provides legislative support to parents, who don't expect their children will be allowed to drink alcohol at another  parent's home. It sends a consistent message to everyone that underage drinking is unhealthy, unsafe and, unacceptable everywhere. Some important facts to  know about the new law:

• This law does not negate the Local Ordinances, if your city/town's ordinance  is more stringent than the state law, local punishments may still apply. 

•  This law does not grant police any more power; probable cause is still required before police come to your premises (for example - a noise complaint).

• The criminal charges for a parent/house owner that is out of town have not  changed; but civil liability still applies. 

• In essence, this law holds youth ages 16-20 who host drinking parties more  accountable by charging them first with an infraction, then a misdemeanor.  The law also holds youth ages 16-20 consuming alcohol ing them first with an infraction, then a misdemeanor.   

“It’s one thing to care  deeply about the issue of  substance abuse prevention; but, it’s another to be  part of the solution.”     

Be a part of the solution -  join your Local Prevention Council in your town Today! For more information, e-mail coalitioncoordinator@casac.org.

Coalition Applauds Governor for Signing Underage Drinking House Party Bill

The legislation makes it illegal for someone who owns or controls private property to

allow a minor to possess and drink alcohol, or fail to make reasonable efforts to stop a minor from possessing alcohol. A first offense is an infraction. Subsequent offenses carry up to a year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.

“This legislation reinforces the responsibility that adults have to protect children, and to provide an environment that is healthy. Unfortunately, many adults have the mistaken belief

that it is somehow “safe” for youth to drink alcohol at house parties – a belief that has resulted in tragic events in many communities in our state,” says Degutis.

The law also makes it illegal for a minor to possess alcohol anywhere, rather than just in public places. There are exemptions that allow parents to provide alcohol to their own children and for consumption for religious reasons. For minors in possession of alcohol, the first offense is an infraction while subsequent offenses carry fines between $200 and $500.

“This law closes a glaring loophole in our underage drinking laws which allows children to drink on private property” Degutis added. “The bill reinforces that the minimum legal drinking age in Connecticut is 21 and encourages our youth to make wise decisions to not drink.”

The bill sponsored by the Coalition was introduced by the Judiciary Committee. More than 70 legislators co-sponsored the measure which becomes effective October 1.

New Legislation Introduced to Reduce Underage Drinking