Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE

While Keystone Light may be "smoothing things over," as its advertising campaign says, underage drinkers could face serious consequences for a 30-pack of 'Stones.

Between Sept. 1, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2008, NT police issued 152 citations for possession of alcohol by a minor and 87 citations for consumption of alcohol by a minor.

"Underage drinking is always an issue that we have to combat every semester, but it is not an issue that is a bigger problem now than it has been in the past," NT Police Deputy Chief Ed Reynolds said.

According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, the punishment for an alcohol-related offense by a minor can include fines up to $2,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days or even suspension of driver's license for up to 180 days.

Reynolds said it is up to the discretion of the police officer on duty whether or not to give a citation for underage drinking or take the minor to jail.

"A lot depends on if there are other charges that are accompanying the possession by a minor, like whether or not they are driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol," Reynolds said.

He said storeowners or bartenders caught serving alcohol to a minor are also charged with an offense-furnishing alcohol to a minor, which is punishable by arrest.

"Typically at the bars, most of the establishments are compliant, but you run into the issues of a minor possessing a fake ID," Reynolds said.

Employees at Buckeye, one of the closest liquor stores to the NT campus in Lake Dallas, said they don't have a problem with fake IDs because they card everyone.

Darryl McWhorter, a biology freshman, said he drank underage at bars and clubs, but it was difficult because there were people patrolling for underage drinkers.

"Lots of friends have gotten kicked out of the clubs for drinking," McWhorter said.

Rather than use a fake ID, McWhorter used his of-age friends.

"As long as cops aren't there to see it, they can't do anything," he said.

Ryan Jones, a communications junior, used a different method to obtain alcohol as a minor.

"I would find homeless people. They'll do anything for money," Jones said. "I was like, 'Here's five bucks, get me a beer.'"

Drinking underage was still "worth it" to Jones, even after paying a $180 fine for being charged as a minor in possession.

"I think the drinking age should be 12," Jones said. "I would have liked sixth grade better."

For more information on drinking laws, see section 106 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code online at tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes.

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