Neb. bill: Adults would be liable for damages if alcohol given to kids

A Neb. bill, LB573, passed by the Legislature would make adults who sell or give alcohol to underage drinkers liable for damages or injuries caused by intoxication.

People who host so-called keggers or other social functions where alcohol is served to minors could also be liable. Graduation parties where alcohol is served, for example, could land adults in court.

But if intoxication was found not to be the cause of negligent conduct, those who provided the alcohol would not be liable.

Retailers could be shielded from liability if courts determined they were fooled by fake identification that would appear valid to a reasonable person.

At this writing, Gov. Dave Heineman has not signed the legislation into law.