Gov. Noem VETOES Underage Drinking Bill
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem VETOED Senate Bill 108, which would enable underage South Dakotans to consume alcohol as part of college courses. SB 108 does nothing to limit the sale, service, or consumption of alcohol to specific class locations or specific class times. You can find Governor Noem’s VETO letter here.
“[The] flawed language creates potential loopholes that pose problems for law enforcement,” wrote Governor Noem in her letter. “Officers encountering underage students with alcohol on their breath or in their system must determine if this exception to underage drinking law applies before writing a citation. We should respect the work of law enforcement by not needlessly making their jobs any tougher.”
SB 108 amends a 2020 statute which allows alcohol on campuses so that classes could be created under a specific set of protections. That legislation prohibited underage students from participating in courses that produced and consumed alcoholic beverages. SB 108 would completely undermine the intent of the 2020 legislative compromise that allowed these classes to be created.
“The sponsors have cited workforce as their reason for bringing this legislation,” continued Governor Noem. “While I appreciate their acknowledgment that South Dakota has the strongest economy in the nation, I don’t believe that allowing underage students to consume alcohol will solve specific workforce issues. Those industries have continued to grow and thrive, both before and after the legislation I signed only three years ago.”
Governor Noem has signed 118 bills this legislative session and vetoed 2.
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We are never going to fill up a new penitentiary if we start to give back freedoms to people.
Noem needs to get a grip here. She acts like the Board of Regents is going to have party 101 class at 8pm on every Friday night. Let the students taste test the beer and wine that they are learning to make in their classes.
An over reaction by the Governor, I’m afraid. Craft breweries are expanding into local and regional markets all over the country. Good jobs exist in brewing now and will continue as Americans develop a more discriminating palate for beer other than pilsner. While wine production is not high in South Dakota, having a small vineyard and experimenting with various wines has become a popular hobby. In my travels, I often see “do it yourself” wine making stores. The jobs are where you find them.
Never forget, FREEDOM!
How about we just pick an age? Are you an adult at 18 or 21??? Either you have all the rights of an adult or you do not.