Underage drinking laws up for debate in Colorado

It is the go-to argument for why 18-year-olds should be able to legally consume alcohol: “They can serve our country in the military and carry weapons, but they can’t drink?” Colorado State Senator Greg Brophy sees logic in that argument and is bringing it to the legislative table.

Current Colorado drinking laws require a person to be 21 to consume alcohol. Those caught drinking before that age can be cited for underage drinking. If Brophy has his way and his legislative proposal is approved, there would be an exception to that Colorado rule.

Brophy proposes that parents should be able to take their children out and buy them a drink if they are at least 18 years old. The so-called children would be under the supervision of their parents and able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage — perhaps in celebration of a birthday or a return from military service.

Supporters of making an underage drinking exception in Colorado suggest that letting 18-year-olds drink with their parents could teach them about responsible drinking habits. With the status quo, underage drinking is often binge drinking and extremely dangerous. Opponents against the senator’s proposal argue that making a legal exception would lead to more alcohol use and alcohol-related injuries and death.

When there is a development in this matter we will post an update. Until then, the law stands that a minor caught consuming alcohol, even while with his parents, will be charged with underage drinking. Though many juveniles might face this charge, particularly during their college years, that doesn’t make the charge any less serious. A criminal conviction can have a long-lasting impact on a teen’s life.

Our Colorado Springs juvenile defense team helps to prevent a teen’s mistake from leading to unnecessarily harsh consequences.

Source: The Inquisitr, “Colorado Senator Seeks To Change Underage Drinking Laws,” Jan. 8, 2013