A measure to prohibit the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 1753, often known as the “Anti-Underage Drinking Act,” was introduced on July 11 by Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap.

The measure prohibits “unqualified persons,” or those under the age of 21, from purchasing alcoholic drinks because they are “unable to adequately take care of themselves or defend themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or prejudice.”

The measure also makes purchasing or acquiring alcohol for these people illegal, as well as misrepresenting one’s age by providing a fake identity to places selling alcoholic beverages.

The measure also aims to make the consumption and sale of alcoholic drinks to untrained people illegal.

Establishments found in violation of the measure, if passed into law, will face a P50,000 fine or up to three months in jail. Following subsequent infractions, these establishments’ operating licenses may be withdrawn.

Individuals who violate the law for the first time will be advised by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), while those who violate the law repeatedly may be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“This bill seeks to impose a minimum legal drinking age in the country, in pursuit to mitigate and regulate the availability of alcohol to Unqualified Individuals,” Duterte said.

In the Philippines, the legal drinking age is presently 18 years old.