10-16-13 local law enforcement has concerns with brown jug bill

Local law enforcement has concerns with a bill that would allow bars and liquor stores to sue underage patrons or their parents for $1,000.  The bill sponsored by Fond du lac Republican state senator Rick Gudex would allow anyone with a liquor license to bring civil lawsuits against underage patrons.  A parent or guardian could be sued if the underage drinker is a minor.  Fond du lac, and North Fond du Lac police, the Fond du lac County Sheriff’s Office, and Fond du lac Community Drug Free Task force have expressed concerns.  Fond du lac Assistant police chief Steve Klein says he’s concerned it could take bar owners off the hook if they sell alcohol to an underage person.  "Is that bartender going to be more apt to just serve anybody knowing that the bar owner could turn around and sue that underage person and get a thousand dollars,"  Klein said.  "You look at what the fine amounts are for somebody that's serving a minor.  In the city of Fond du Lac you're looking at a $336 fine.  Civil suits where the bar owner is suing someone for $1000... there is a big discrepancy there."    North Fond du Lac police chief Darren Pautsch says he has "serious reservations"  about the bill.  Pautsch says "in reality its removing penalties from the retailers."   Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Chief Deputy, Mark Strand, says he is opposed to the bill.  "You're basically saying go ahead you can sell to underage people, make money on it and if you get caught and cited, the youth is going to pay your fine,"  Strand said.  Under the bill if the liquor license holder wins in court, the judge must order the underage customer or their guardians to pay the establishment $1,000.