MS HB1317

Increases criminal penalties for selling alcoholic beverages to minors under 21 years old: first offense fine of $500-$1,000, and second or subsequent offense fine of $1,000-$2,000 and/or up to one year imprisonment.

Authorizes the commissioner to impose administrative penalties on alcohol permittees for violations, including permit suspension for up to one week on first offense, up to two weeks on second offense within 12 months, up to three weeks on third offense within 12 months, and permit revocation on fourth or subsequent offense within 12 months.

Clarifies that criminal conviction is not required for administrative penalties to be imposed, and expungement of a conviction does not affect administrative penalties.

Changes criminal penalties for selling to visibly intoxicated persons or those prohibited by the department from permanent permit revocation to immediate suspension for one week, with revocation possible only for a second violation within 12 months.

Expands the law to hold employees and agents of permittees liable for violations, not just permittees themselves, regarding sales to minors and intoxicated persons.