"Social Host" bill gains traction in Florida

In an effort to punish those who supply minors with alcohol, lawmakers across the country are beginning to clamp down on adults who allow underage drinking.

Florida legislators are currently proposing a bill that would increase the punishment for adults hosting a party that allows minors to consume alcohol, St. Petersburg Times.

Officials told the news source that the maximum fine would increase from $500 to $1,000. Furthermore, offenders could also spend 60 days in jail. This comes after a rash of serious injuries of minors resulting from drinking.

The bill still needs to pass two Senate committees before getting a full vote. Meanwhile, the House is ready for a full vote on its version of the bill, which lawmakers said "sailed through committee hearings."

According to the news source, arrests for supplying alcohol to minors statewide have ranged between 157 and 230 in the past three years. In Pinella County alone, 24 individuals were booked on the charge.

According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 28 percent of youth between ages 12 and 20 drink alcohol, while 19 percent said they binge drink.