Bar owners may no longer be on hook for serving minors

Bill would only put bartender on hook

A bill going through legislature in Madison right now could let bar owners off the hook for serving minors.

Currently, both the bar owner and bartender can get tickets for serving those under 21. 

Last year, La Crosse police issued just 21 tickets for serving under-agers. Each ticket is $313.  

A bill that’s getting hurried through the legislature would absolve the owner of responsibility unless he’s the one serving the drinks. 

If police do a sting, according to the proposal, it’s the bartender that gets bit. 

Critics say the measure is a disincentive for bar owners to train their workers properly. 

Supporters of the new proposal say it means bartenders just have to be more conscientious when serving drinks. Critics say it gives bar owners a pass on having to adequately train their staff.