Bill Ending Drown Nights Heads to Gov.

A bill that would bring an end to so called “drown nights” is on its way to Gov. Brad Henry. Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-OKC, is principal author of the measure, which won final Senate approval on Monday. The House author of Senate Bill 518 is Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman.

Drown nights are special events that allow customers to purchase unlimited amounts of 3.2 beer for a flat rate or for a sharply discounted price. SB 518 would bring an end to those promotions.

“The only real purpose of going to a drown night is to get drunk as cheaply as possible—and we know that beer is the drink of choice for binge drinking and underage drinking. Clearly this is a public safety issue we must address,” Wilcoxson said.

The legislation would make it illegal to have specials for individuals or groups to purchase beer at lower prices than those offered to the general public on the same day. Under SB 518, violations would result in a misdemeanor charge with a fine of $500.

“We know binge drinking that occurs at drown nights has resulted in people driving while under the influence with sometimes tragic consequences. I believe this legislation banning drown nights is a step in the right direction for Oklahoma,” Wilcoxson said.