Virginia lawmakers are in the process of cracking down on underage drinking and adults who facilitate it.
The Virginia House of Delegates considered two bills this week targeting underage drinking and the so-called "keg party loophole."
The first bill is an attempt to clarify the crime of underage drinking.
Currently, the law states it is illegal for an underage person to purchase or possess an alcoholic beverage. The absence of the term "consumption" somewhat creates a loophole for underage drinkers.
Bell's bill will make it illegal for persons less than 21 years of age to "consume, purchase or possess, or attempt to consume, purchase or possess, any alcoholic beverage."
Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle, was chief sponsor of the bill, which was passed unanimously by the House last Friday and will now be voted on in the Senate.
The second bill, sponsored by Del. David Albo, R-Fairfax County, and co-sponsored by Del. Bell, would make providing alcohol to someone who is under the age of 21 a Class I misdemeanor.
Under this bill, someone convicted of providing an underage person with alcohol could face having his or her driver's license revoked for one year.
"It is important that adults be held responsible for providing alcohol to those under 21," Albo said. "There is no excuse for the accidents and deaths associated with underage drinking. I am confident that the passage of these bills will make Virginia kids safer, and I hope they will receive the same enthusiastic support from the full House and Senate that they received in sub-committee and committee."
Currently, adults who give alcohol to those who are underage cannot be held responsible for any illegal activities committed by the underage persons while they were intoxicated. Albo's bill would hold both the adult and the underage person responsible.
Albo's bill will be put to vote in the House today.
While the bills are intended to check underage drinking, some say they feel that tougher enforcement is needed, too.
"There is having a law and then enforcing a law," said Susan Bruce, director of the University's Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse. "If it is not going to be enforced, it's not going to have an impact."
Read More
Student Council hears from U.Va. Wise student body president William Rudeseal
By Margaret Nichols | 11 hours agoStudent Council convened for its weekly general body meeting Tuesday, where they heard an opening address from William Rudeseal, SGA president and fourth-year College at Wise student.
What to expect during this year’s Honor Week
By Michael Racz | 11 hours agoDuring Honor Week, the Committee will host events to discuss issues such as the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, academic integrity and ethical research.
A preview of the upcoming University student elections
By Abigail Larkin | YesterdayAn email will be sent Feb. 24 to the University email address of every eligible student with a personalized link.
