Last Wednesday, the Alcohol License Review Committee further contemplated an ordinance that would allow underage students into downtown bars and taverns. This Nightclub and Performing Arts Venue ordinance is an extremely positive step forward in combating the problems of high-risk drinking without crossing regulatory boundaries. We thank the University of Wisconsin’s Policy Alternatives Community Education organization (PACE) and current ALRC members for continuing to work toward passage of this ordinance.

As this board has noted time and time again, PACE has advocated some policies with which we strongly disagree. Yet we have also encouraged PACE as well as the city to pursue policies that provide more alternatives to underage patrons. Many students all too often attend potentially dangerous house parties with the notion that the only way to have fun in college is to drink. By permitting bars to buy licenses that allow people 18 and over to enter venues offering live music or a DJ, PACE and the city would let many students have a good time without the previously obligatory alcohol. At the same time, these students would be permitted to enter licensed bars with legal-age friends. This will also encourage social interaction at locations relatively safer — and more fun — than house parties.

Under the ordinance, licensed bars would be required to create a means of identifying those over 21 from the remaining crowd as well as provide additional security for more customers — both very reasonable requirements. In their wisdom, PACE and the ALRC have written this clause in a sufficiently broad manner where the underage and legal age patrons will not necessarily be physically separated. For example, a system of wristbanding will suffice to satisfy the identification requirements, a measure effective (for PACE), cheap (for bars), and fun (for all patrons). Such a system will further encourage underage patrons to enjoy the bar scene with their legal-age friends.

We further applaud moves to repeal the cabaret license. Under current law, dancing in a bar is forbidden unless that establishment has purchased such a license. ALRC and PACE are working to repeal it, an act that would allow dancing in taverns. Furthermore, all bars would be permitted to house dancing, regardless of whether they attain one of the new nightclub licenses. Like passage of the new Performing Arts Venue ordinance to create nightclub licenses, repeal of the cabaret license will promote Madison’s small-venue music scene, a particularly appealing aspect of the city’s cultural life.

Although the ALRC has taken strong steps toward passage, we urge it to complete the job soon. Like Ald. Warren Onken, District 3, we believe the ordinance should become effective by summer. This would give local businesses time to adjust to new underage identification and security procedures without a sudden influx of patrons. Such a cautionary move will ensure a safe, reliable bar environment when students return to classes — and bars — in the fall.

This board backs measures that permit underage students to enjoy all the city offers without regulatory meddling. While thanking PACE and the ALRC for their continued work to repeal the cabaret license and pass a new nightclub license, we ask that they move quickly. Underage students deserve safer, more enjoyable social venues in Madison.