The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

^{_______________}

PRESENTED BY:

F. Jay Barrows

^{_______________}

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
                Court assembled:

                The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to underage alcohol consumption.

^{_______________}

PETITION OF:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

^{_______________}

In the Year Two Thousand and Nine

^{_______________}

An Act relative to underage alcohol consumption.

                Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Section 1: Chapter 138, Section 34C of the General Laws is hereby amended in the first line by inserting the following after the phrase after “ … any alcohol or alcoholic beverages …”

(a)    or who demonstrates a visible and discernible level of intoxication to a law enforcement official that is detrimental to the to the general welfare and a threat to public safety,

Section 2: Chapter 138, Section 34C of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking the following sentence “…  by a fine of not more than fifty dollars for the first offense and not more than one hundred and fifty dollars for a second or subsequent offense” and inserting thereof in its place, the following –

(a)    For the first offense a fine of not less than $250 and enrollment in a youth oriented education program for alcohol abuse.

(b)   For the second offense a fine of not less than $500 and a suspension of driving privileges and licenses for a period of ninety days if applicable. In the event of a minor operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a letter from the arresting police department to the automotive insurance carrier of said individual informing them of the offense

Section 3: This act shall take effect upon passage.