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.