Senate Bill 15, which allows young adults who may still be in high school to serve alcohol to customers at restaurants in Alaska, went into law on Friday, without the signature of the governor.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kelly Merrick, allows a person aged 18- 20 to be employed and serve alcohol in establishments such as restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, hotels, motels, and resorts.
Critics argued that those who are still in high school would be allowed to bring adult beverages to tables, and that restaurant staff, including cooks, are notorious for drug and alcohol dependencies, and that these are the people who will be supervising the 18-year olds.
According to the National Institutes of Health, food service workers are the heaviest users of alcohol of any occupation. Nationwide surveys indicate that their rates of heavy drinking are 15.2% vs. an average of 8.8%. Research shows that those at risk for alcohol dependence may self-select into the restaurant industry.
“Relevant risk factors may include work stress, low-income jobs, younger age, high turnover positions, living alone, and irregular hours,” NIH wrote in this research summary. “Problem drinking was reported by 41% of the sample. There were no significant gender differences in problem drinking. Rates differed significantly by age categories, with nearly 50% of those aged 21–24 years old reporting problem drinking. Approximately 1/3 of underage respondents (18 to 20 years old) reported problem drinking.”
The study says that the restaurant work environment may reinforce alcohol use through alcohol access, as well as workplace norms and culture.
“Workplace-based environmental influences and processes facilitate food service workers’ engaging in high levels of alcohol consumption, particularly after work,” the NIH reports, and the problem is exacerbated by restaurant workers who socialize together outside of the workplace.
Proponents of the bill said it will create more jobs for young people. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board wrote to the Legislature asking for the bill to get favorable consideration and that it go into effect immediately, as the tourism season is starting in Alaska and the board believes this will be helpful to businesses.
Recently, the Anchorage Assembly passed an ordinance that requires servers to check the identifications of all patrons to ensure they are able to buy alcohol.
Senate Bill 15, now in effect, means that those who are not able to buy alcohol are able to handle it in additional ways in the work space than they have been able to do. Now, not only can they handle booze while clearing tables, they can bring fresh drinks to customers.
Good, this was needed. No doom and gloom how we’re going to create legions of juvenile alchoholics. If they want to drink they’ll find a way. If an 18 year old demonstrates enough maturity to apply, get hired, and maintain that job, they’re capable of carrying a beverage from bartender to table without malfeasance.
Kelly Merrick is a clueless person
You can join the military and die for your country but you can’t raise a toast to it.