Underage drinking bill gets key House approval

The House today gave key approval to a Senate bill (S. 213) aimed at combating underage drinking.
House members voted 100-0 to approve the second reading of the bill with some amendments that bill sponsor Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, described as mainly technical.
The revised bill will receive an expected third reading in the House before heading back next week to the Senate for reconsid-eration.
Under the bill, youths under 21 could be charged with consuming or attempting to buy alcohol. Current S.C. law makes it illegal only to purchase or possess alcohol.
Underage offenders would face possible jail time and in-creased fines, and also would be required to complete a state-approved alcohol education or treatment program. Minors who participate in undercover police operations would be exempt.
The bill also would increase fines for those who sell or provide alcohol to minors, and convicted store clerks would be required to attend merchant education programs. The bill also would require that beer kegs be registered.