The Daily Cardinal reported on Thursday that the Madison Police Department would no longer conduct “bar raids” in downtown Madison. This announcement was significant as it shifted how police monitor Madison nightlife, and would hopefully ease tension between students, police and bar owners, according to the Cardinal. 

But, tension remains high following the confiscation of over 100 fake IDs on Friday night — at a bar in downtown Madison, 137 fake IDs were confiscated by MPD, and eight citations were given out, according to WMTV15.

Despite some students believing underage drinking would be allowed — that is not the case, according to MPD Central District Captain Kipp Hartman. 

“It feels like there was this idea that maybe the Madison police would turn a blind eye to some things that were occurring — and that is absolutely not going to happen,” Hartman said. “We are still focused to make sure that licensed bars are making sure that they are not allowing underagers into their establishments.”

Police will also continue monitoring bars for overcapacity, Hartman said.

Hartman said though MPD will still be monitoring establishments, the way they conduct bar checks will be changed. MPD is looking to increase efficiency in conducting bar checks by spending less time at the establishment, Hartman said. 

“One of the things that we were looking to change is streamlining the process for conducting tavern safety checks, or bar checks, in order to get the information we need to either hold taverns or bars accountable and also underage students,” Hartman said. 

They also offered amnesty to individuals this past Friday — allowing underage drinkers to avoid a citation if they turned in their fake ID, Hartman said.

“We do want to hold the establishments accountable for their behavior, that is always going to be the number-one priority,” Hartman said.