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For Immediate Release
12/19/05
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Sen. Pippy, Rep. Mustio Promote Bills to Combat Underage Drinking, Nuisance Bars

Part of bipartisan legislative package before General Assembly.

Harrisburg – Rep. Mark Mustio (R-44) and State Sen. John Pippy (R-37) have introduced bills to reduce underage drinking and crack down on nuisance bars.

"These are problems that impact public health and safety, and affect the quality of life in our community," said Pippy.  "The bills Representative Mustio and I are sponsoring are part of a broad legislative effort."

The bills are part of a legislative package aimed at reducing underage drinking and high-risk drinking in Pennsylvania, the legislators said.

"Senator Pippy and I have joined a bipartisan legislative effort to curb underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems that negatively impact communities," said Mustio. "In Pennsylvania last year, 7,273 youths under age 18 were arrested for liquor law violations and 583 were arrested for driving under the influence.  We have to redouble our efforts to bring those numbers down."

Senate Bill 1041, sponsored by Pippy, would allow a full-time municipal police department to conduct compliance checks using an individual under 21 years of age to purchase alcohol.  The individuals would be trained by the State Police before conducting any compliance checks. 

"Presently only the Liquor Control Enforcement Bureau of the State Police can conduct these compliance checks.  More compliance checks will be possible if municipal police departments are able to conduct them as well," said Pippy.

House Bill 111, sponsored by Mustio, gives the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board the authority to deny establishments any liquor license extension that could infringe on the overall moral well-being and quality of life for not only homeowners, but the entire community at large.

Specifically, House Bill 111 makes it clear that the board has authority to refuse any extension or secondary service license application based on: the adverse effect on the welfare, health, peace and morals of a community; or the overall proximity to "restrictive institutions" such as churches, schools and other licensed establishments.

"This is ultimately an issue of private property rights. Nuisance bars and other irresponsible establishments can ruin the quality of life for neighboring property owners and the rest of the community," said Mustio.  "This legislation makes it clear that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has the authority to deny the extension of liquor licenses to such establishments."

Pippy has also introduced legislation that would mandate alcohol testing for any driver involved in an accident that involves death or life-threatening injury.

Measures introduced by other legislators include:

• Driver's license revocation for adults who furnish alcohol to minors
• Increased penalties for adults who furnish alcohol to minors and an injury results
• Mandated keg identification tag
• Mandated alcohol policy for higher education institutions, with alcohol education training
• Mandated Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) training for bar/restaurant operators who incur underage drinking liquor code violations
• Increased state funding for underage drinking by 100% to $1 million annually
• Increased penalties for driving drunk with a child

The bills were the product of public hearings held across the state in 2005, including a hearing in Pittsburgh attended by Senator Pippy and Representative Mustio.

CONTACTS:
Representative Mark Mustio (412) 262-3780
Matt Campion [Office of Senator John Pippy] (412) 262-2260