Teen liquor law in effect as of Monday
Advertiser Staff
A new law to crack down on underage drinking will take effect Monday.
Act 203, dubbed the "use and lose" law, will suspend the driving privileges of any person under age 21 who illegally purchases, possesses or consumes alcohol. The violator's driver's license will be suspended for at least 180 days.
If the individual is not licensed to drive, a judge would have the discretion to postpone eligibility to obtain a license for 180 days or until age 17.
In addition, violators will be required to perform 75 hours of community service and undergo eight to 12 hours of alcohol education and counseling.
Thirty-six other states already have in place some form of a use-and-lose law.
"The use-and-lose law makes it very clear to teens that if they drink, they will lose their driver's license and the freedom that comes with it," Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona Jr. said in a news release.
"The use-and-lose law serves as a reminder to children and adults that underage drinking is unsafe and unhealthy, and will not be condoned in our community."
