ALBANY, N.Y., -- Senator George Maziarz (R-C, North Tonawanda), and Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo, Grand Island) announced new legislation today (S 3211/A 6200) that will help fight the battle to stop underage drinking by holding adults responsible for illegally supplying alcohol to minors. The legislation creates additional penalties for providing alcohol to persons under the legal drinking age by suspending the driver's licenses of adults caught unlawfully providing alcohol to persons under the legal drinking age and it was announced today in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month.
In addition to Senator Maziarz and Assemblymember Hoyt, the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, the Medical Society of the State of New York, the School Administrators Association of New York State, the Empire Liquor Store Association and Diageo (the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company) support legislation aimed at reducing underage drinking by deterring adults from providing alcohol to kids.
"This bill protects our kids as it strengthens New York State's ability to reduce incidents of adults providing alcohol to children," said Senator Maziarz. "Under the bill, if an adult provides alcohol to a child, he or she could have their driver's license suspended. We need to hold irresponsible adults accountable and keep our kids safe. This bill will go a long way toward that end."
According to research on underage drinking, 65 percent of underage drinkers get their alcohol from family members and adult friends. The Century Council, a not-for-profit educational organization aimed at fighting drunk driving and preventing underage drinking recently revealed that only seven percent of youth report that they obtained alcohol from retailers who failed to check for identification (www.centurycouncil.org ).
"Providing liquor to underage persons is simply inexcusable. By revoking a person's privilege to drive, we are demonstrating that there are repercussions for one's actions," said Assemblymember Hoyt. "This legislation will help protect our children from the dangers associated with underage drinking and provide law enforcement with additional tools to enforce the law."
Senator Maziarz and Assemblymember Hoyt were joined by Partners for Zero Tolerance for Underage Access, a coalition of supporters who back additional penalties for illegally supplying alcohol to minors.
"Spring is a time of celebration for families, particularly with proms and graduation around the corner. Unfortunately, it is also a season of dread for parents, because too often these celebrations turn into a time of personal tragedy as a result of underage drinking," said Gary Galanis, Vice President of Corporate Relations, Diageo, the world's leading spirits, beer, and wine company. Diageo is supporting Zero Tolerance coalitions to back similar legislation being introduced in almost 20 states, including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and has been signed into law in Virginia.
"As a company of families -- of brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers -- we believe protecting our children from the dangers associated with underage drinking is the responsibility of us all. That's why we are actively supporting initiatives across the country to keep our kids safe by keeping alcohol out of their hands," said Galanis.
Chief John Grebert, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police said, "This legislation will be a great tool to the Police Chiefs of New York State who are fighting every day to keep our streets -- and our kids -- safe. If this legislation saves just one life or prevents one kid from sustaining a life-altering injury, then we can count this as a success."
"The School Administrators of New York State are committed to the safety and well being of our students, both within and outside of the classroom," said Richard J. Thomas, Executive Director of the School Administrators Association of New York State. "Underage drinking is a major risk factor in the lives of our students and we support Senator Maziarz and Assemblymember Hoyt's efforts to keep alcohol out of kids' hands."
Dr. William Rosenblatt, immediate past President of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) said, "The American Medical Association and MSSNY are committed to combating underage alcohol abuse and the health risks and societal harm it causes. It is critical that we work together to keep kids healthy and safe."
Craig Allen, Vice President of the Empire Liquor Store Association said, "New York State beverage alcohol retailers take the issue of underage drinking very seriously. We are working every day to keep alcohol out of kids' hands and that is why we enthusiastically support Senator Maziarz and Assemblymember Hoyt's legislation." He continued, "Suspension of driving privileges is a practical and effective way to send the clear message that furnishing alcohol to kids will not be tolerated."
A 6200/S 3211 -- Driver's License Suspension and Revocation - Furnishing Alcoholic Beverages to a Minor or Allowing Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages by a Minor -- allows for Driver's License Revocation for any adult 21 years and over who knowingly furnishes alcoholic beverages to a minor for the purpose of consumption by the minor.
For adults convicted of providing alcohol to or allowing the consumption of alcohol by a minor, this legislation grants the New York Department of Motor Vehicles the authority to suspend the driver's license of that adult for a period of thirty days for the first offense, ninety days for the second offense and one year for the third offense.
