New proposal allowing kids 18 years old to drink with parents

Like a lot of folks, Eric Wilmot, owner of Naggy McGee's, is just learning about new legislation that would allow kids 18 and older to sit down and have a drink with their parents. 

He says at this point the bill brings up more questions than answers.

“I just heard about it this morning I think it's an interesting law. What determines what a parent or a legal guardian would be," said Wilmot.

Others like Eric Ross of Kannah Creek Brewery agree with the new idea.

"I served in the military myself, and i understand what it's like, I mean that's been around for a long time, if you can fight and die for your country, you should be able to drink a beer," said Ross.

Managers across the board however, are concerned with the logistical challenges of the bill.

"There's definitely going to have to be some checks and balances in place to make sure that people aren't taking advantage of the situation," said Ross.

Ross, who's also from Germany, says drinking at a younger age may encourage responsible drinking.

Ross added, "My recollections of being a teenager in Germany, we did drink but we drank responsibly. I saw what I felt was like a bit more of a mature attitude about alcohol, not sneaking around your parents back. I do consider parents to be probably one of the best educators."

Colorado law makers aren't the only ones thinking about the new bill.

11 other states already have similar laws.

"Absolutely not, under any conditions. It's tough enough for kids these days. I mean 21 year olds are having problems," said a resident of Grand Junction.

"I definitely think it has to do with your maturity level and also the parents’ choice, but as being a parent and being so young, I think that it's not that good of an idea," said Destiny Austin of Grand Junction.

But not everyone is against the idea.

"I believe as long as it's supervised, we were allowed to drink when we were 18 unsupervised, so as long as they're not driving and doing the proper thing I don't see anything wrong with it," said Rocky Bailey of Grand Junction.