Legislative study committee tackles underage drinking

An Indiana advocate is calling on the General Assembly to create legislation to help reduce underage drinking in the state.  Lisa Hutcheson directs the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.  She says that mock car crashes at high schools are interesting, but there’s no evidence that it changes anyone’s behavior.  She told a summer study committee today that she wants substantial reforms – like raising the alcohol tax and instituting a social host law.  Social host laws are those that punish adults who knowingly allow underage drinking on their property.  Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson says the social host law is a possibility, but raising the alcohol tax is less likely.  She says any discussion of raising the alcohol tax will likely have to wait until the 2013 legislative session, when the budget is on the agenda.

— Indiana Public Broadcasting