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.