A new law signed by Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry calls for tough new penalties both for youths in possession of alcohol and those who sell booze to kids, the Enid News reported May 19.

Under the Prevention of Youth Access to Alcohol Law, alcohol sellers face a $500 fine and a year in jail for a first offense, a $2,500 fine and a year in jail for a second offense, and a $5,000 fine and five years in jail on a third, felony offense.

Underage alcohol buyers would face a $300 fine, 30 hours of community service, and a six-month driver's license revocation for a first offense, a $600 fine and 60 hours of community service and a one-year driving ban for a second offense, and a $900 fine, 90 hours of community service, and a two-year license revocation for a third offense.

Underage drinkers also would be required to undergo alcohol assessment with a possible referral to treatment.

The lightest penalties were reserved for retailers, who face a suspension of their alcohol-sales permit for up to 30 days for a first violation, with the opportunity to have the penalty waived if their employees have taken part in an alcohol-compliance program within the past two years. A second violation would bring a mandatory 30-day permit suspension, but only if the sale was by the same employee or of an 'egregious nature.'

For a third violation within two years, a mandatory 30-day suspension would be imposed, increasing to 180 days if the offense is committed by the same employee. A fourth offense within two years would bring a mandatory revocation of the company's alcohol-sales permit.

"I'm pleased to see the legislature strengthen existing laws related to underage alcohol consumption," said Garfield County district attorney Mike Fields. "This is certainly a positive step to address a multifaceted problem."