Bill targeting adults who let teens drink in their homes sent to Gov. Walker

MADISON — Adults who let teenagers drink in their homes would be breaking Wisconsin law under a proposal approved by the state Legislature to address a loophole in current law.

The bill sent to Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday addresses the so-called "social host" loophole in state law that was exposed by an appeals court ruling last year.

The court addressed a law that prohibits people who are old enough to drink from allowing people who aren't 21 to drink alcohol in "premises" they control.

The appeals court narrowly interpreted "premises" to refer only to licensed establishments such as liquor stores or bars.

The bill approved by the Assembly on a xx=xx vote would make clear that the law includes adults who allow underage drinking in their own homes.