Under Age Drinkers Face Heavy Fines

A bottle of beer may soon cost minors in Cambridge up to $100 if a bill passed by the Massachusetts House Wednesday is enacted into law.

The measure would provide fines of $10 to $100 for minors who purchase alcoholic beverages, and similar penalties for whoever sells them the drinks. The penalties would apply even if the minor had not been asked his age or had stated it falsely to get alcoholic beverages.

Cambridge Police Chief Patrick F. Ready yesterday termed the proposed law a "good idea," saying that it would "certainly help keep liquor from minors, who should not be getting it."

The act, introduced by Representative Joseph D. Ward of Fitchburg, will be decided Monday at a third reading in the House before reaching Senate.