Bill would stiffen penalties for those serving beer to minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Penalties for servers and retail outlets that repeatedly sell beer to minors would be stiffened under legislation passed by a state House panel.<br/><br/>Norman state Representative

Wednesday, February 22nd 2006, 5:49 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Penalties for servers and retail outlets that repeatedly sell beer to minors would be stiffened under legislation passed by a state House panel.

Norman state Representative Thad Balkman told the House Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday that his measure would allow fines of up to $5,000 and a sentence of five years in prison for servers caught repeatedly selling beer to minors.

A person must be at least 21 to buy alcohol in Oklahoma.

The bill would also suspend a business' permit to sell beer if the company repeatedly sells beer to minors.

Teenagers caught illegally purchasing beer could also face a fine of up to $900 and the loss of their driver's license for up to two years.

The measure now goes to the full House for action.