A new law that increases penalties on people who provide alcohol to underage drinkers as well as youth in possession of alcohol has been signed into law in Oklahoma, the Purcell Register reported June 1.

The Prevention of Youth Access to Alcohol bill was signed by Gov. Brad Henry on May 25; the measure applies to sales of low-alcohol beer as well as other alcoholic beverages. The law will increase fines and jail terms for adults who provide alcohol to minors and calls for suspension of beer-sales permits for up to 30 days for retailers who sell to underage youth. Minors who are found drinking or in possession of alcohol will have their driver's licenses revoked and face fines of up to $300 for a first offense.

Supporters termed the bill a balanced approach to combating underage alcohol use. Research from 2005 shows that 40 percent of Oklahoma high-school students used alcohol within the past 30 days.

The law also creates a revolving fund to support education on the risks of providing alcohol to youth and funding for retailer compliance checks.