NEWS
ASM helps add 18+ nights for bars
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Andriy Pazuniak:
- SSFC wittles Wunk Sheek budget (October 21, 2005)
- Cieslewicz, Judge come out on top in spring election (April 9, 2007)
- Music industry serves campus (March 22, 2007)
- UW to RIAA: No way (March 21, 2007)
Related Stories:
- Kimia Lounge opts for over-18 nights (February 17, 2006)
- Former blues site to house 'Palace' (February 3, 2006)
- Bars evaluate license viability (April 26, 2005)
- Cabaret licenses causing problems for some downtown bars (October 31, 2001)
- City Council lifts King Club drink ban (September 8, 2004)
Share This:
by Andriy Pazuniak
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Four additional Madison bars purchased the Performing Arts Venue License this semester, increasing the number of local bars 18 to 20-year-olds are allowed to enter.
After a semester-long campaign, the Associated Students of Madison Special Forces Committee helped persuade Bullfeathers, the Palace Latin Club (formerly Luther's Blues), Tailgaters and the Slipper Club to buy the $250 license allowing bars to let in 18 to 20-year-olds. This age group is allowed in on nights when the bars are hosting a live-music event, according to committee chair Dylan Rath.
The four bars join Madison Avenue, the Annex, Kimia Lounge, Club Majestic and High Noon Saloon as owners of the license.
In order to be eligible for the license, bars must have a capacity of more than 100 people and demonstrate how they will distinguish between the underage patrons and the over-21 crowd.
Though only four more bars purchased the license this year, Rath said it was a "really good number" to "spark a few more" to buy it.
"The main reason for this campaign was to provide more entertainment options for underage students instead of house parties," Rath said. "I think a lot of underage students need things to do on weekends, and now they can go to bars."
Rath added that the committee has also had discussions with the Kollege Klub about the possibility of the popular Lake Street bar purchasing the license.
According to Rath, Kollege Klub owners told committee members they would have to discuss the matter further with their lawyers and city police about how the license would affect the Kollege Klub's standing.
Rath added it was hard to convince some owners to purchase the license because of the many risks involved as well as the potential loss of profit.
As Rath explained, "Underagers can't buy drinks."
However, Rath said bars could sidestep the potential shortfall by instituting a cover charge.
Ald. Austin King, District 8, who has been a long-time advocate of bars purchasing the license, agreed with Rath's assessment that many bars would be "weary" of purchasing the license.
However, King said he was hopeful more bars would.
"Given the potential market here, especially around campus, it's an ideal location," King said.
Gestina Sewell (April 25, 2006 @ 2:47am):
This is great. I love to hang out with all my friends but sometimes I am left behind because I am under 21. Now they will not have a reason to leave me behind and I don't even need a fake.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 9:10am):
This is news I like to hear!
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 11:30am):
way to increase the number of underage drinkers. Everyone knows that places that let underagers in make it easier for them to drink since it is so easy to get a friend to buy you that drink, or to trade wristbands or wash off marks on your hand. I hope the city doesn't begin to complain about the increase in underage drinking.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 11:48am):
This is news I like to hear!
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 12:05pm):
I think the ASM campagin to get bars to hold 18+ nights is great for the student body. I hope that the amount of bars wo hold underage events will increase.
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 12:21pm):
Are you sure bars wouldn't be "wary" of purchasing the license? Because that would make more sense than "weary."
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 3:15pm):
Nice to know ASM has the important things in mind.
When are we going to get rid of this organization again?
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 4:12pm):
I can't wait to go to a Palace Latin Club event! woohoo
Anonymous (April 25, 2006 @ 4:53pm):
It is good to see ASM working on relevant issues that have DIRECT day-to-day impact on students
Anonymous (April 27, 2006 @ 4:04pm):
"way to increase the number of underage drinkers."
Oh, please. Half the underage students at Madison drink anyway.
