State Representative John Ainsworth has proposed legislation that would only let people 18 years old and up drink in taverns if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wisconsin's legal drinking age is 21, but a law allows children of any age to drink if they have a parent with them.
Ainsworth says it's ridiculous that parents can take young children to a bar and serve them a beer, but a lobbyist for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association disagrees.
Paul Merline says seeing the responsible consumption of alcohol can be an important educational experience for a young person.
Merline also says tavern and restaurant owners can choose not serve anyone who isn't 21 years old, even if they're with a parent.
