A state senate committee passed a bill Wednesday that would allow bar owners and alcohol retailers to file $1,000 lawsuits against underage patrons who are caught purchasing alcohol in their establishment.
The Senate Agriculture, Small Business and Tourism Committee approved the bill, which state Rep. André Jacque, R-De Pere, introduced in an assembly committee in March.
Current state law says underage people who intentionally defraud alcohol retailers, with a fake ID or otherwise, face a potential fine between $250 and $1,000, according to an analysis by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
Under the bill, known as the Brown Jug Bill, the $1,000 lawsuit and legal fees associated with the proceeding would be an additional cost to a $130 drinking fine as well as a $600 fine for any patron caught using a fake ID.
If the individual is under 18-years-old, the bar could bring the lawsuit against the person’s parents or legal guardians.
The bill is expected to go before the full Assembly next week.
