Austin police charge President's twin daughters

Police have charged President George W Bush's 19-year-old twin daughters for violating state alcoholic beverage laws.

It is the second offence for Jenna Bush and the first for her sister, Barbara.

Police accused Barbara of being a minor in possession of alcohol and Jenna Bush of misrepresenting her age for allegedly trying to use false identification to buy alcohol.

Both are Class C offences under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and carry a fine of up to $500 (£350), attendance at an alcohol awareness course, community service and 30-day driving licence suspension.

A third person, Jesse Day-Wickham, also was charged for being a minor in possession of alcohol. An associate of the Bush family said she is a friend of the twins.

The Police Department said it received a call on Tuesday night reporting that minors were attempting to buy alcohol at Chuy's Restaurant in Austin. Police went to the night spot but did not issue a citation.

Police said subsequent investigation found that Jenna Bush allegedly ordered an alcoholic beverage and was asked to produce identification proving she was 21. She allegedly showed a valid driving licence belonging to someone else, police said. She was not served.

Witnesses said Barbara Bush and Day-Wickham were served alcohol.

Less than two weeks earlier, Jenna Bush pleaded no contest to charges of underage drinking. She was ordered to take alcohol counselling and perform community service.

A spokeswoman for first lady Laura Bush called the matter a private family issue.