Will fake ID bill curb drinking?
Come July, minors caught trying to buy liquor, beer or wine with any kind of fake ID could face up to a $500 fine and 30 days of community service.
While it long has been a misdemeanor in Mississippi for people younger than 21 to present fake driver’s licenses to purchase alcohol, Senate Bill 2616 attempts to close a loophole by making it a crime to present any kind of false identification, including student or military IDs.
While there wasn’t a specific event or study that prompted the change, bill co-sponsor Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, said he and fellow lawmakers just believed it was time to address the loophole.
“Hopefully, it will curtail the underage drinking and purchasing of alcohol, especially beer, with any kind of fake ID,” he said.
University of Mississippi junior Carmen Bouldin, 20, from Tupelo, said she thinks underage drinkers will continue to find ways to get alcohol.
“I don’t think anyone would want to pay $500 or do community service just for alcohol,” Bouldin said. “I think most people will just get their friends to buy it like they’re doing now.”
Clarion-Ledger 4/8/9
Magnolia Tribune
