Lawmakers are beginning to prove they mean business with the passage of a number of laws concerning underage drinking and smoking.

The most recent addition to the law books is the changing fine of an underage possession of alcohol charge.

The new law, which went into effect July 1, raises the basic fine from $34.50 to $100. On top of the basic fee, there is a surcharge of $30 and a court cost of $15.

“There is a threat to stiffen the penalties further if laws are not followed,” Sgt. Randy Kessle of the Ames Police Department said.

The possession fee may affect Iowa State students drastically, especially during Veishea weekend.

The Department of Public Safety expects Veishea to remain its peak time for liquor law violations, despite the increase in fine.

Jerry Stewart, assistant director of DPS, said during 1996, about 220 liquor law violations were issued on campus.

During the three-day Veishea weekend, 150 were issued, not including violations of public intoxication and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, he said.

Stewart pointed out that all fines are handled strictly through the district court, and by law no additional fines may be issued by DPS officials.

Two-time offenders of the law may be fined up to $200 and run the risk of having their driver’s license revoked for up to a year.

Lawmakers are also cracking down on adults who provide minors with alcohol by increasing the basic fine of $100.

For store owners and employees who are charged with selling alcohol to minors, the fine now stands at $1,500.

And for any other adult, including parents who provide for minors, the fine is $500. Along with the raise, is an allowance for lawsuits against adults who throw keggers or parties that lead to an injury or death of a minor.

Underage drinking is not the only problem being singled out by authorities.

Lawmakers also cracked down on tobacco users earlier this year.

As of Feb. 28, every person under the age of 27 must present an ID in order to purchase any type of tobacco products. Though the legal age for smoking remains 18, the hope is to prevent mature looking minors from purchasing cigarettes.

Again, if a teen repeatedly violates this law, his or her driver’s license may be suspended indefinitely.

Many question how effective the increased fines will be in detouring minors from drinking and smoking, but the changes are “on the books and permanent,” Kessle said.