UNDERAGE LIQUOR CLERKS

Another lawsuit currently in court challenges a new law that allows underage store clerks to sell liquor. While the plaintiffs' objective is to prevent this, their legal objection is based on how the law was enacted by the Missouri General Assembly.

The lawsuit argues that the original purpose of the bill was to allow and regulate auctions of vintage wine. Amendments included the provision to allow clerks who are 18 to 20 years old -- under the legal drinking age of 21 -- to sell liquor. Opponents say this amendment goes beyond the scope of the original bill and, therefore, should be struck down.

There seems to be good reason to question the wisdom of allowing underage clerks to sell liquor they aren't legally permitted to consume. In the interest of consistency and a clear message that the decision to drink liquor is best left to adults over 21 years old, this lawsuit has the potential to resolve a murky issue.

Again, it will be interesting to see what a judge thinks of this law.