Does the punishment fit the crime?

We should ask that question whenever politicians look to increase the penalties for wrongdoing.

State Sen. John Nutting has introduced legislation that takes seriously the issue of providing alcohol to underage drinkers. People convicted of providing booze to a minor would lose their driver’s licenses. The penalty would begin with a 30-day suspension and grow to a year after three convictions.

Underage drinking is a serious issue that goes beyond just “kids being kids.” We support tougher penalties for people who buy beer, wine or liquor for children. The serious threat of losing your driver’s license seems to fit the bill.

When it comes to taking a person’s driver’s license, there are other considerations. Nutting’s bill, L.D. 903, takes them into account. A judge could grant a restricted license that would allow the person to go to work, school, counseling or court.

The Secretary of State’s Office was the only witness to testify against the proposal at a hearing Monday, arguing that a person shouldn’t lose his or her driver’s license for something unrelated to driving. The concern is legitimate.

But a person who buys alcohol for an underage friend doesn’t deserve jail time on the first offense. Stiff fines can be daunting, but is it realistic to expect a 21-year-old to pay a $10,000 fine for buying beer for an underage friend? The threat of a lost license provides the right balance of tough punishment and reasonableness.

It fits the crime.