Opinion: Editorial

An identity crisis

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This summer, the University of Wisconsin purchased nine ID scanners for eight local liquor retailers. When used, the scanners effectively detect when a customer is using a fake driver’s license or identification card — unless you have a Georgia ID, for some reason.

The scanners cost $1,000 each and were distributed to Capitol Centre Market, MacTaggart’s Market, University Avenue Liquor, Riley’s Wines of the World, The Vineyard, Badger Liquor, Pinkus McBride Market and Sadhana Wine Shop. The money for the initiative came directly from former Chancellor John Wiley’s office.

“Wisconsin as a state is a high consumer of alcohol, so we’re trying to do our part to look out for those who are not of legal drinking age to ensure that they can make good decisions,” Dawn Crim, Wiley’s special assistant, said in July.

But Ms. Crim and the administration need to be reminded that the University of Wisconsin is not a law enforcement agency. While $9,000 is a miniscule drop in the university’s massive budget, such spending to assist the city in doing its job is unnecessary.

Scanners were previously purchased for use at the Memorial Union, where the university is responsible for monitoring the ages of its patrons. We think that is appropriate. But as the university constantly complains about its lack of state funding, precious dollars were spent to uphold the law the university is not responsible for enforcing off its property.

If such ID scanners are the solution to curb underage drinking — and we are far from convinced they are — it is the city of Madison’s responsibility to ensure the rules are being followed. Local liquor stores receive city licenses, pay city taxes and are overseen by city law enforcement agencies. The university has enough on its plate dealing with underage drinking on UW property as it is without assisting city efforts to curb underage drinking.