A bill in the Texas legislature proposes to push the state’s drinking age back seven hours — an eternity to those wishing to celebrate their 21st birthday.
Critics say the delay won’t stop people from finding ways to get drunk, but supporters say the cause is important enough to take up.
Texas Rep. Rob Eissler, R-Montgomery, penned the bill after learning of the death of Michael Wagener, a student at Texas A&M University. Wagener died after drinking heavily on his 21st birthday, and his mother’s grief spurred Eissler’s action.
The bill would prohibit liquor sales on the day a person turns 21 until 7 a.m., or until noon if the birthday falls on a Sunday.
Fellow Texas Rep. Tony Goolsby, R-Dallas, said constitutional law will prevent the bill from being passed.
“The law says when you’re 21, you can do certain things. That’s the law — whether you’re 21 by a second, a day, or a week,” he said. “I think it’s ridiculous, and I’ll vote against it.”
But a similar bill passed through the North Dakota Senate last Wednesday and is on its way to the state House for review.
Critics charge that barring people from drinking for those seven hours would be difficult.
“If someone so enamored with alcohol, feels it is such an important part of their life, they would find a way to get it anyway,” said Earl Dodge, national chairman of the Prohibition Party.
