Closing time might be fast approaching for children who long have been allowed to drink alcohol in Wisconsin’s bars and restaurants.
Right now it’s legal in the Badger State for kids to drink alcoholic beverages in such venues, as long as mom or dad, a guardian or spouse older than 21 is with them and approves, as does the bartender.
But State Sen. Judy Robson says the state’s two-fisted drinking reputation has led to drunken driving deaths and affected children’s health. So she and other lawmakers have offered bills that would make 18 the minimum age for drinking in a bar or restaurant while accompanied by a parent. The legal drinking age would remain 21.
The bills could be voted on in committee as early as next month, but there is no indication when they could come up for final passage.
“For years we’ve had this culture of drinking in Wisconsin,” Robson said. “It’s just a very confusing message to kids, that they’re not allowed to drink, but in some cases they can.”
Robson said her research showed that of the 14 states with similar drinking-age loopholes, Wisconsin’s laws are the most lax.
In Illinois, those younger than 21 can’t legally drink. Period.
Officials with Mothers Against Drunk Driving said the bill was a “step in the right direction” but won’t do much to reduce underage drinking.
Said Frank Harris, the organization’s state policy specialist: “To really reform the way Wisconsin handles drunk driving … [the drinking age] should be 21, no exceptions.”