Senate Enacts Bill to Fine Minors Up to $100 for Purchasing Liquor

Harvard Square tavern owners and bartenders expected slight effect on business from yesterday's Senate vote to enact a bill providing fines of $10 to $100 for minors who purchase alcoholic beverages. One prominent tavern owner said that although some minors might be discouraged from purchasing drinks, "lax police enforcement" would lessen the bill's effect.

The proposal, now awaiting the Governor's signature, would make both the minor and whoever served him, liable to fines, regardless of the circumstances. Under the present law, the minor can be fined only if the lies about his age. If the bartender or salesman does not ask the minor's age, he cannot be fined.

Bartenders hailed the prospective law as much fairer than its predecessor. But one, declaring it would not have much effect on underage purchasing, said, "I don't think it will stop them from drinking. They'll break this law, just like they broke the old one. They'll break it all to hell."

Jim Cronin, owner of Jim's Place, thought the new law would have "a beneficial effect on my business" by keeping out those whose ages must be checked by bartenders and waitresses. Business should go more swiftly for legitimate patrons. "We'll certainly continue to check identification," he said.

Cambridge Police Chief Patrick F. Ready anticipated no problems in enforcing the new law, saying "we always make a special effort to enforce the liquor laws."