HB 1554

Abstract

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that any person shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor where he or she permits, allows, or hosts a gathering of 2 or more persons at a residence which he or she occupies or any other private property, public place, or premises under his or her control where any one or more of the persons is under 21 years of age and (1) the person occupying the residence or controlling the private property, public place, or premises knows or reasonably should know that any such person under the age of 21 is in possession of or is consuming any alcoholic beverage; and (2) the possession or consumption of the alcohol by the person under 21 is not otherwise permitted by the Act. Provides that in addition to being guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, the sentence of any person who violates the provisions of the amendatory Act shall include, but shall not be limited to, a fine of not less than $500. Provides that where the violation directly or indirectly results in great bodily harm or death to any person, the person who committed the violation shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. Provides that a person shall not be in violation of the provisions of the amendatory Act if (A) he or she requests assistance from the police department or other law enforcement agency to either (i) remove any person who refuses to abide by the person's performance of the duties imposed by the amendatory Act or (ii) terminate the gathering because the person has been unable to prevent persons under the age of 21 years from consuming alcohol despite having taken all reasonable steps to do so and (B) this assistance is requested before any other person makes a formal complaint to the police department or other law enforcement agency about the gathering. Makes other changes.