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Last updated on Monday, July 7, 2014
(UNDATED) - New legislation aimed at curbing underage drinking criminalizes adults who provide minors with a place to drink.
Adults who knowingly provide a place for underage kids to drink will now be charged with a class B misdemeanor under Indiana law.
According to the General Assembly those breaking the law will can face up to up to 180 days in jail and fines up to one thousand dollar.
Lisa Hutcheson, director for the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, says parents shouldn't think the dangers of underage drinking are reduced if they're allowing kids to drink in their home, with supervision.
Hutchenson says officers are not out to get parents who may not know their children are drinking at home, but the law gives officers an extra tool to investigate parties, whether adults are present or not.
Hutcheson says she hopes the new penalty can generate discussion about underage drinking between parents and children.
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