NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

GARRETT’S UNDERAGE DRINKING BILL PASSES SENATE

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Legislation introduced by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) that would stiffen penalties for parents who knowingly permit underage drinking in their homes passed the Senate unanimously today.

Senate Bill 158 provides that it is unlawful for parents to knowingly authorize, enable, or permit underage drinkers to have access to either their residence or liquor kept in the residence. A violation of this provision that directly or indirectly results in great bodily harm or death to any person will be considered a Class 4 felony. The penalty for a Class 4 felony is one to three years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000.

"This legislation is very important for communities trying to create a culture in which everyone understands that underage drinking is not acceptable," said Deerfield Mayor Steven Harris. "Experience has shown us that parents, along with other stakeholders in the community, must be fully engaged in this effort to keep our young people safe."

"Our goal is to forge a partnership with our local communities, schools, and law enforcement to make sure that the responsibility is shared, and for the first time we are bringing parents into the equation,” said Senator Garrett. “It's just not acceptable for parents to believe that serving alcohol to underage drinkers is harmless. Young people need more direction and stricter parameters, and parents are the ones to provide that."

Law enforcement agencies and municipalities across the state have passed resolutions in support of this measure. The bill now awaits approval in the Illinois House of Representatives.