We've seen several postings here on GC about alumni/ae advisers' and inetrnational or regional officers' concerns over potential liability. Here are excerpts from an article in the August 4
Columbia Tribune about an adviser of a U. of Missouri fraternity and his concerns about a new state law:
A local fraternity adviser has resigned, citing fears that a new state law could subject him to criminal charges for underage drinking during fraternity functions.
Michael Lawler, 72, has served for the last four years as adviser to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity chapter at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He said he regularly signed his name as approving of alumni barbecues at the fraternity house at 24 Stewart Road. Normally, fraternity houses are alcohol dry, Lawler said, but drinking was allowed at such alumni functions.
While those younger than 21 are not to partake, Lawler said it’s common knowledge that most fraternity members do, regardless of their age. . . .
The law,. . . effective Aug. 28, makes it a misdemeanor crime for a property owner or, as Lawler interprets it, a person responsible for a property to allow parties catering to underage drinkers. An exemption is made for parents and guardians who allow their children to drink on their property.
Columbia police Officer Tim Thomason . . . . said the new alcohol law likely would be enforced with warnings on first offenses, unless proof exists of a person having knowledge in advance that minors would be drinking alcohol.
Kim Dude, director of MU’s Wellness Resource Center, said Lawler’s concerns are well founded, and she is organizing a meeting with all MU fraternity advisers.
"There is a possibility this law could affect them," Dude said. . . .
The same bill has a provision allowing police to arrest people younger than 21 as minors in possession of alcohol if they are under the influence of alcohol. Previously, the possession law required the officer to see the minor with alcohol to make an arrest. . . .
The entire article is at
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2005/...804News003.asp
(edited to add URL and credit the paper)
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