Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) today voted in favor of making it illegal for adults to permit underage drinking on their property.

“Underage drinking is not only illegal, it is dangerous, and it is up to adults to do the right thing by not allowing their property be used for teen drinking parties. This legislation puts the force of law behind society’s strongly held belief that drinking alcohol is a privilege afforded only to adults,” said Senator Freedman, noting that the town of Westport in the past tried unsuccessfully to pass an ordinance regarding underage drinking.

The legislation, HB 5211, An Act Concerning Underage Drinking, makes it illegal for someone who owns or controls private property to knowingly permit a minor to possess alcohol, or fail to make reasonable efforts to stop the minor from possessing alcohol on the property. The bill makes a first offense an infraction, and subsequent offenses subject to up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.

Furthermore, the legislation makes it illegal for a minor to possess alcohol anywhere, rather than only in public places. Currently, the provisions on illegal possession of minors do not apply to minors who possess alcohol while accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse over 21. The bill specifies that it must be the minor’s parent, guardian or spouse.

“As a legislator who has sponsored similar legislation in the past, I am delighted that the General Assembly is making this commitment to protect Connecticut’s children by discouraging, and penalizing, underage drinking on private property. This does not infringe on anyone’s rights. The police would still need to have reasonable cause to go onto private property. What it does is to protect both families and children,” said Senator Freedman.