The District of Columbia has decriminalized underage drinking, making consumption of alcohol by those under age 21 a civil rather than criminal offense.
Punishment can includes community service or alcohol education classes, a fine of $300 and suspension of a driver’s license for 90 days. Offenders will no longer be arrested and carry a criminal record for the rest of their lives.
“There is no reason to criminalize --arrest -- a young adult holding a can of beer in his backyard,” said City Council member Paul Mendelson. “If he’s underage, he can be fined and lose his driver’s license. But don’t label it a criminal misdemeanor.” The Council agreed 11-1, with one Council member absent.
New legislation was passed because, although underage drinking had been decriminalized in 1997, police had continued to arrest young people for what was no longer a crime. A class action suit led to an injunction against additional illegal arrests.
Neighboring Maryland has also decriminalized possession and consumption of alcohol by those under the age of 21.
TIME FOR ATHENS, GA TO TAKE NOTICE OF THIS AND STOP HAULING OFF COLLEGE STUDENTS TO JAIL!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
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