Keg Bill to Combat Underage Drinking and Reduce Alcohol-Related Problems

ALBANY, NY (04/07/2009)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced a bill requiring greater responsibility when purchasing beer kegs to prevent underage drinking and binge drinking.

The legislation, introduced jointly with the State Liquor Authority, would make permanent a law set to expire in November 2009 that requires beer kegs be marked with an identification label or tag, allowing law enforcement to track down the purchaser of the keg found at underage drinking parties. It would also increase the required keg registration deposit from $50 to $75, a fee that serves as an additional deterrent to underage drinking and will help reduce access to teen-agers.

"We know one out of 10 New Yorkers has an alcohol problem and one out of three youth use alcohol," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "As prom, graduation and summer break are soon upon us, this measure is critical to ensuring that all New Yorkers continue to make healthy choices and young lives are saved from alcohol-related tragedies."

Under this legislation, the tag will be affixed to every keg sold containing the name and address of the retail licensee, the name of the keg purchaser, and an individual keg identifying number. The keg purchaser is also required to sign a statement stating they understand the underage drinking provisions of the Alcohol Beverage Control Law and Penal Law and they will not allow consumption of the beer by those under age 21.

The legislation further requires when a beer keg is sold, the retailer would collect a $75 registration deposit in addition to the price, taxes and other fee deposits. Once the keg is returned with the identification label or tag intact, the $75 deposit is returned. If the keg is returned without the label or tag, the deposit fee is forfeited. In addition, if the keg is not returned to the retailer within 90 days, the deposit is also forfeited. If the identification tag is missing or damaged upon return, the purchaser is subject to a fine between $250 to $450. Only the licensee, a licensed wholesaler, a peace officer, or State Liquor Authority agent has the authority to remove an identification tag or label.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo continued, "Keg registration is an important tool to prevent underage drinking purchases. Kegs often encourage greater amounts of alcohol consumption, increasing the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol and other alcohol-related problems. With greater deterrents in place, not only youth, but adults as well, will be reminded that underage drinking leads to dangerous consequences and is against the law."

According to the OASAS 2006 School Survey, about two-thirds (904,000 or 66 percent) of 7-12 graders in New York state reported having had a drink in their lifetime, about one-in-four or 333,000 junior and high school students engage in binge drinking at least once per month. In the past year, 8.4 percent or 1.2 million adults age 18 and older have experienced an alcohol dependence or abuse disorder.

OASAS continues to promote its nationally recognized Underage Drinking: Not a Minor Problem Media Campaign which includes helpful information to parents, as well as beer, liquor and wine retailers. To report underage alcohol sales or an underage drinking party, individuals can call 1-866-UNDER21. Addiction is a chronic disease and New Yorkers can get help by calling the toll-free, 24-hour 7 days a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day. Through efforts such as the Your Story Matters campaign at www.iamrecovery.com, the agency hopes to foster a movement of recovery, one that sheds the stigma and promotes a life of health and wellness.For more information, visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.