In accordance with the ordinance, Macalester has an event policy where registration of events and permission to provide alcohol is required. Minnesota state law provides that it is a misdemeanor if a person under 21 consumes alcohol, attempts to purchase alcohol, possess alcohol with intent to consume, enters a licensed establishment or municipal liquor store for the purpose of purchasing or being served alcohol, or misrepresents his or her age. It is a gross misdemeanor to give or sell alcohol to a person under the age of 21, or to procure alcohol for an obviously intoxicated person. If an individual in Minnesota drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, possible sentences include revocation of driving privileges, fines, imprisonment and participation in rehabilitation programs. If a person drives under the influence of alcohol and death or injury results, the intoxicated driver can be convicted of murder, manslaughter or battery.
Penalties are harsher for sale than possession.
In addition to state laws, federal laws prohibit the manufacture, distribution, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute and simple possession of drugs. Health Risks Drugs and alcohol are toxic to the human body and if abused can have serious health consequences. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely. Moderate to high doses increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts including risk-taking behaviors. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in mental functions, severely affecting a person's ability to learn and remember information.