As early as December, anyone convicted of buying alcohol for a minor could lose their driver's license for one year.

Last week, the state House of Representatives passed a bill that aims to reduce underage drinking by revoking the driver's licenses of adults convicted of buying alcohol for minors.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Ty Harrell, D-Wake, passed by a margin of 106-6 in the House and was sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. If it becomes law, it will take effect on Dec. 1.

Two area lawmakers — Rep. Annie Mobley, D-Hertford, and Rep. Tim Spear, D-Washington, voted for the measure. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Pasquotank, was among the six who opposed it.

Owens said he supports efforts to reduce underage drinking, but not by linking penalties to driving privileges. Owens represents Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank and Tyrrell counties.

"How about bank robbers? Are we going to revoke their licenses, too?" Owens said. "It's an ABC violation, not a driving violation. Give them fines and time in jail."

Purchasing alcohol for minors is already an ABC violation, subject to fines and jail time. But Harrell's measure requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to revoke for one year the driver's license of any driver who has been convicted of buying or attempting to buy alcohol for a minor.

Spear, who represents Chowan, Dare, Hyde and Washington counties, said he supports "whatever we can do to curb the use by minors or underage persons."

"It's apparent minors are receiving products through some means — fake IDs," Spear said. "Hopefully this will send a signal that we will not tolerate that. Hopefully the risk of loss of a license will make somebody think twice about it before they go in and purchase an alcoholic beverage for a minor."

Mobley agreed.

"It is my opinion that those who violate the law or encourage underage drinking should be held accountable," said Mobley, represents Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Perquimans counties.

Spear said he grappled with the penalty's stiffness — someone losing their driving privileges for a full year.

"It's kind of a harsh penalty," he said. "Hopefully, it will be a deterrent. It does provide that a person can apply for limited driving privileges (driving to and from work)."

The bill was supported by The Distilled Spirits Council, a not-for-profit organization that represents distillers, and sponsors programs aimed at reducing underage drinking and drunk driving.

"Studies show most youth who drink obtain alcohol primarily through non-commercial sources, such as parents, family, friends and other adults over 21," said David Wojnar, council vice president. "Laws that crack down on adults who illegally provide alcohol to minors are important tools states can use to reduce underage drinking in their communities."