House Republican Press Release

March 15, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Underage Drinking Bill Passes Judiciary Committee

HARTFORD- State Representatives Themis Klarides (R-114) hailed the passage this week of landmark legislation out of the Judiciary Committee that prohibits individuals from allowing minors to possess alcohol on private property and prohibits minors from possessing alcohol on private property.  Representative Klarides was nearly successful during the last two legislative sessions in seeing this legislation, often referred to as the “social hosting” bill, reach the floor of the House.  This year, she hopes the bill will make it through the General Assembly, and earn the Governor’s signature.

“The problem of underage drinking often begins at home,” said Representative Klarides.  “Adults have a responsibility to see to it that minors who have not yet attained the legal drinking age are not drinking alcoholic beverages on their property for any reason.  This bill enforces that responsibility, and holds the adult accountable if any such activity takes place on their property.”

Representative Klarides has spent a number of years combating underage drinking, helping a number of Connecticut communities such as Woodbridge, Seymour, Cheshire, Orange, Glastonbury, Ellington and Newington outlaw social hosting by local ordinance.  She serves on the Executive Board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and received their GLADD Award (Government Leaders Against Drunk Driving) several years running for her efforts in passing legislation aimed at tightening restrictions against drunk driving offenders. She was also honored by the CT Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking for her efforts to fight social hosting.

The bill, HB 5211, An Act Concerning Underage Drinking will head to the House of Representatives for action there.  The 2006 session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns on May 3^rd.