Twice before, pols have failed to do away with the underage provision. (To be fair, six other states have similar laws.) It was passed in the mid-’80s when Wisconsin raised its drinking age to 21, rather than lose federal highway funding. The majority of bars and restaurants tend to oppose raising the age limit for liability reasons. Ed Lump, president of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, says kids should have their fill. It’s “a teaching tool” that fosters responsible drinking, he says, and it “promotes families doing activities together.” It was “kind of neat” for Lump to visit his children at college and buy them a few brews. OK, is Mr. Lump the coolest dad, or what?
