Giving a teen alcohol? Think again

State legislators are trying to raise the stakes for parents who knowingly allow their children and children’s friends to drink alcohol in their homes by stiffening the possible penalties if the underage drinking results in tragedy. Legislation awaiting approval from Gov. Rod Blagojevich raises the offense from a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine, to a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by one to three years in prison, if the minors are involved in a serious or deadly alcohol-related incident. Lawmakers say the pending law change is only the first step toward toughening the state’s liquor laws to hold adults more accountable. “The state of Illinois, high schools and even alcohol manufactures spend h