10-16-13 senate passes underage drinking lawsuits bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a bill that would allow bars and liquor stores to sue underage customers or their parents for $1,000.  The measure passed Tuesday on a voice vote. The measure previously passed the Assembly and now heads to Gov. Scott Walker. The Republican-sponsored bill 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.  If the liquor license holder wins in court, the judge must order the underage customer or their guardians to pay the establishment $1,000.

The measure would not change any underage drinking laws in the state. Underage people could still drink in bars with their parents or a spouse who's at least 21.