Problem drinker ID bill raises hackles

April 5, 2005

DAWN De BUSK/Frontiersman reporter

Who said politics and alcohol don't mix?

A bill introduced to the Alaska House in early March would require specially marked identification for problem drinkers so employees at liquor stores and drinking establishments would be aware of people ordered by a court not to buy or drink alcoholic beverages.

House Bill 190, also known as the Problem Drinker ID bill, sponsored by Rep. Harry Crawford, D-Juneau, has been referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee, where it was held over for additional committee work and public testimony.

The bill would create a system making it easier to know who has been prohibited by the courts from buying and drinking alcohol.

As part of the bill, Alaska driver's licenses and state identification cards would "be designed to allow the electronic reading and electronic display of the information" on the IDs. Machines that electronically display information would indicate if the person cannot legally purchase alcohol. A person's Social Security number would not be made available.

"You know, in content, it seems like a good idea, but it'll force anyone who sells liquor to card everyone. It forces an 80-year-old to be carded. I don't think the citizens of Alaska will go for that," said Rep. Mark Neuman, R-District 15. "They would have to check every single ID. That's a little too much intrusion into people's lives."

Guy Treat, who, with his wife, owns Four Corners Lounge in Wasilla agrees it would violate some people's comfort zone.

"You don't necessarily card everyone who walks through the door," he said. "For example, if a party of six came in and one person looked young, we would card the whole party. If a couple walks in who is 50 or 55, they don't get carded. Alaska is an ID state, but this bill would force you to card everyone.

"I think it's a good idea, but it won't pass. It's a great idea to govern that, especially for someone who has five or six DUIs. They get off easier than someone who gets their first DUI. I guess that because the courts know them by first name," Treat said.

If the bill passed, it would not only force bars and liquor stores to card everyone, but someone would have to pay for the electronic machines necessary to make the program work.

"In order to provide the electronic reading machine we're talking about, the [Division of Motor Vehicles] will have to come up with a new license.

"It would put quite a financial burden on the state and add another burden to the stores and drinking establishments," Neuman said. "In concept, it's a great idea, but I'm not sure this is the vehicle to do it."