In a meeting Monday, student leaders discussed the implications of a bill recently introduced to the state legislature that would allow bar and liquor store owners to sue underage patrons who are caught purchasing alcohol on their premises.
Sponsors of the bill said its purpose would be to address the problem of underage drinking across the state, according to Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Chair Dan Statter.
Still, Statter criticized the bill, suggesting that “either [legislators] are really confused as to appropriate ways to address this issue, or there’s an alternative motive.”
If the proposed bill passes, bar and liquor store owners would be able to sue underage patrons who are caught drinking on their premises up to $1000. If an establishment chooses to sue a patron, the lawsuit would be an additional cost on top of a $130 drinking fine, as well as a $600 fine for any patrons caught using a fake ID.
At the meeting, student leaders also met with Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, who expressed his concern over the bill.
“The only bars I see using something like this are the ones that are going out of business,” Resnick said. “I don’t think Wando’s wants to get into the system of suing their patrons. I just don’t see that as being a positive business model.”
Although bars can be fined $500 if caught serving underage patrons, student leaders expressed concerns bars could exploit people under 21 by serving them alcohol so they could later sue them.
Resnick deflected the concerns, saying a bar can be shut down if it is caught serving underage patrons at least two times.
Also at the meeting, committee members discussed the drafting of the Tenant Bill of Rights, a set of student-friendly leasing policies for tenants and landlords.
Committee member Ryan Prestil said if Student Council passes the bill of rights, ASM plans to support landlords who add it to their leases.
“The main focus of [the bill of rights] is to have students treated as fairly as adults,” Prestil said.
