State Senator David J. Cappiello, R- Danbury, is proposing legislation that seeks to curb a state statute that permits patrons of nightclub-like establishments, under the age of 21, from entering such a facility where alcohol is served. According to Sen. Cappiello, the purpose of his legislation is to reduce the prospects of underage drinking in towns across Connecticut.
Under Sen. Cappiello's legislation, any tavern or establishment that sponsors an event that allows underage patrons from entering MUST obtain a permit from the local police department. It will be up to the local police to determine if such an event is legitimate and adheres to community standards.
Sen. Cappiello, who serves as Ranking Member of the legislature's General Law Committee, which oversees issues related to the purchase of alcohol, says that this legislation will have no effect on restaurants or concert venues. "This legislation is designed to control the practices of establishments that are specifically targeting the under 21 crowd," said Sen. Cappiello. "If one of these 'clubs' wants to hold a special event or concert where they want to include underage patrons, then they should have to get approval by the local police chief."
Sen. Cappiello said that he has heard complaints regarding what many believe has become a common practice of exposing minors to alcohol, which could lead to underage drinking.
"You are asking for trouble. My belief is that if an establishment is going to serve or have alcoholic beverages available for purchase, then the patrons of those establishments should be of legal drinking age," said Sen. Cappiello. "To say that you can be 18 years old to enter such a facility but 21 to drink, to a very large degree, circumvents our underage drinking laws. There's a reason why we don't permit those under 21 from entering a bar. By enacting this legislation we would be making sure that the proper guidelines regarding underage drinking are being met." |
