Panel OKs measure on youth drinking

Friday, April 15, 2005 | 9:10 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A person who provides alcohol or drugs to a minor who then injures or kills someone will be liable for a civil damages under a bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

And the individual furnishing the liquor to anyone under 21 years old could be fined $5,000 and spend six months in jail. The bill, as introduced by Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, originally said that a person who served liquor to a minor in a home could be sued, but the committee agreed that the prohibition should be extended to any place rather than just a residence.

Senate Bill 337 goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote, probably next week. It comes after three teenagers were killed and one was injured in a traffic accident in November 2003 after attending a drinking party.

The driver of the vehicle, a 16-year-old at the time, crashed into brick wall. His blood alcohol level was 0.19, more than twice the legal limit. He was sentenced to 24 months in the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center.

A civil suit was filed by the families of the four boys killed or injured against the owner of the home where the drinking took place.

Under the bill, an injured party or the survivors could be awarded economic and punitive damages, attorney fees and the costs.

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said the liability should attach, no matter where the liquor was served to the minor and not restrict it to a home. He said the liability should extend to anyone over 18 years old who furnishes liquor to a minor.

Currently, parents or guardians are shielded from civil action for giving liquor to minors who then cause an accident.

The present law also makes it a misdemeanor to furnish liquor to a minor, punishable by six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.