October 9, 2007

Racine exploring keg registration

A city committee is exploring requiring buyers to register kegs before taking them home. Supporters of the bill hope it will create a paper trail to people who supply the kegs to underage drinkers.

For example, police bust an underage drinking party. A few underage drinking tickets are issued, and a keg is left behind. If the keg is registered, police can trace the beer back to the person who made the purchase and nail them for supplying alcohol to minors.

Alderman Greg Helding introduced the proposed ordinance at a recent City Council meeting. It was referred to committee, and officials are studying the cost of implementing the permit system. Helding said he was initially opposed to the idea, but later realized it could be a way to hold buyers - not just sellers - accountable for underage drinking. Helding added it could also help liquor stores get their kegs back in decent condition.

Mount Pleasant is considering a similar proposal, which is backed by Focus on Community, a local nonprofit that fights underage drinking.

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