FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2005
 

**Media Alert** 

Senate and House Panels to Kick off Statewide Hearings On Underage Drinking April 25 in Philadelphia 

Members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee and House Liquor Control Committee will meet on Monday, April 25 in Philadelphia to kick off a series of statewide hearings on the growing problem of underage drinking, according to Senator John Rafferty (R-44), chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

The hearing will begin at 12:30 p.m.,  Monday, April 25 in the Ritter Hall Annex Building, Kiva Auditorium of Temple University between Broad Street and 13th Street. 

Rafferty said the joint Senate/House hearing will focus on a number of issues, including making it harder for teenagers to gain access to alcohol, new technology to ensure that young people have proper identification, keg registration, public education efforts. 

Among those scheduled to testify are representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the Beer Institute.  Committee members will also hear from a DUI victim, members of Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital's "Cruising Not Boozing Program," and administrators from Temple University. 

"Our goal is to seek input on the problem, potential solutions and discover ways the Legislature can help to meet funding needs and develop legislation to combat this growing problem," Rafferty said.  "Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug by high school seniors, and its use is increasing. The American Public Health Association estimates that two-thirds of high school seniors consume alcohol, with one-third of those being binge drinkers." 

Rafferty is sponsoring two pieces of legislation to combat underage drinking, including a measure to suspend driver's licenses of adults who furnish alcohol to minors and a bill to require all colleges, universities and community colleges to have a written alcohol policy, including counseling and penalties for underage drinking. 

He said the Senate Law and Justice Committee and House Liquor Control Committee will travel around the state to seek public input on the problem and proposed solutions from educators, representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Pennsylvanians Against Underage Drinking, law enforcement officials and parents. 

CONTACT: MARK MEYER –  (717) 787-1398