Providing alcohol to kids draws steeper fines

State lawmakers hope that greatly increased fines for adults convicted of providing alcohol to teenagers will put a damper on underage drinking in Maryland.

The law, which police will begin enforcing today, increases the maximum penalty for furnishing alcohol to minors or allowing underage drinking from $1,000 to $2,500 for a first offense. The penalty for a second or subsequent violation increases from $1,500 to $5,000.

Though existing state laws are geared toward proprietors, like bars and liquor stores, this new law is meant to send a message to adults - even the parents of teens - that enabling children to consume alcohol...