Following is a list of suggested model laws to reduce underage drinking, prepared by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The list also appears in the appendix of Public Policy Guide so it can be reproduced and distributed to public officials or coalition members. To develop a public policy advocacy plan, determine which of these laws apply in your state and how effective they are in deterring underage drinking.

• 21 Minimum Drinking Age Law

Makes it unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 years to purchase, attempt to purchase, possess, consume, misrepresent their age to purchase or attempt to purchase or use a fake or false ID.

• Use/Lose Law

Applies driver's license sanctions for driving and non-driving related alcohol offenses.

• Zero Tolerance

Establishes a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02 (can be 0.00 or 0.01) as a violation of law in operating a vehicle for anyone under age 21.

• Adults Providing Alcohol To Minors or Dram Shop (Social Host) Liability Laws

Makes it illegal for any person to sell, furnish or provide any alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 years (may be lawful for parents to provide alcohol to their children in their home or under certain circumstances, i.e., holidays, religious celebrations). Dram shop or social host laws make adults 21 and older liable for the actions of those under the legal drinking age, i.e., criminal or civil liability against a host who provided alcohol to a minor and that minor was involved in an incident resulting in physical or bodily harm.

• Graduated Licensing Laws

Establishes a graduated system of licensing that requires young drivers to meet certain standards before obtaining a full license. Some laws may also include prohibitions on the number of passengers and nighttime restrictions.

• Youth In Alcohol Establishments Laws

Prohibits youth under 21 years from entering an establishment that serves or sells alcohol, also may prohibit youth from working in these establishments or being allowed to sell alcohol.

• Keg Registration

Discourages adults from purchasing kegs of beer for youth by requiring the purchaser to provide identification for a label on the keg. The information is maintained by the seller until the keg is returned. This law also discourages youth from using fake IDs to purchase beer kegs.

Community How to Guide on Underage Drinking: Public Policy
NHTSA