FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2007
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Senator Rafferty's Underage Drinking Enforcement Legislation Headed to Governor

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania General Assembly has approved Senator John Rafferty's legislation to permit the continuation of Pennsylvania State Police age compliance checks at bars, restaurants and beer distributors to help stem the flow of alcohol to underage purchasers and drinkers.   This highly successful pilot program began almost two years ago, but was set to expire at the end of the year.

Rafferty's bill, Senate Bill 737, permits the State Police to continue age compliance checks with individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 who attempt to purchase alcohol with their real driver license – which clearly states that the individual is under 21.  PA State Troopers are also present when these minors attempt to purchase the alcohol.

Rafferty said, "This has been a very effective program in identifying establishments that serve alcohol to minors and goes a long way in reducing underage drinking."

Since the inception of the program, the State Police have conducted over 2,501 age compliance checks.  Of those - 1,109 underage individuals were sold alcohol. (44.34 %)  And for the first nine months of this year, there were 980 age compliance checks with 448 underage buyers obtaining alcohol (45.71 %).  Licensed establishments who serve alcohol to minors are fined and required to comply with Responsible Alcohol Management Training, conducted by the PA Liquor Control Board.

This legislation was approved by both the Senate and House and now goes to the Governor for his signature.

CONTACT:

Mark Meyer
717-787-1398