Drinking age change bill killed in S.D.

A panel of lawmakers on Monday killed a bill that would have lowered South Dakota's drinking age from 21 to 19 in certain licensed clubs serving only beer.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A panel of lawmakers on Monday killed a bill that would have lowered South Dakota's drinking age from 21 to 19 in certain licensed clubs serving only beer.

Rep. Tim Rounds said he proposed the bill to provide a controlled environment for 19- and 20-year-olds so they didn't have to binge drink at parties or in cars on gravel roads.

Opponents argued that it would do little to help the problem.

They also said passage would put the state out of compliance with federal drinking age guidelines, costing the state $17.5 million a year in highway funds.

The House Commerce Committee defeated the measure 10-3.

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