Bill Will Hold Adults Liable for Underage Drinking

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ Adults who provide alcohol to minors at social gatherings could be held liable if the minors are subsequently injured or killed, under a bill passed by the state Legislature.

The Assembly on Monday voted 67-1 to approve the legislation, sending it to the governor's desk.

AB2486 would add California to the list of states that impose potential "social host" liability on adults who knowingly serve alcohol to underage guests. The alcohol would have to be the main cause of the injury.

The bill would not apply to commercial or licensed alcohol vendors.

Supporters say it would deter adults from promoting underage drinking and reduce alcohol-related deaths.

Opponents have argued that people age 18 to 20 are adults under most areas of the law and should be held accountable for their actions.