Bill > H1679

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law concerning the purchase of alcohol by individuals under the legal drinking age of 21. Specifically, it amends Chapter 138, Section 34B of the Massachusetts General Laws, which deals with the illegal purchase of alcohol. The bill changes the word "shall" to "may" in a section that previously stated someone transferring alcohol to a minor "shall be guilty of a misdemeanor," making this offense discretionary rather than mandatory. More significantly, it introduces new penalties for individuals under 21 who use a fake identification card or the identification of another person to buy alcohol or enter an establishment to buy alcohol. For a first offense, their driver's license may be suspended for 90 days, and for a second offense, their license will be suspended until they reach the age of 21.