The preliminary report of the Alcohol License Review Committee's Subcommittee on Comprehensive Alcohol Issues gives a great deal of lip service to viable drinking alternatives. Such proposals are greatly welcome. However, the powers that be continue to focus their energy on banning drink specials. It is clear that the subcommittee's championed cause specifically targets student pocketbooks, while simultaneously telling bar owners how to conduct their businesses.
The proposal seeks to ban all drink specials after 8 p.m., which clearly affects students disproportionately more than businessmen and politicians who visit bars during their happy hours after work. Furthermore, the ban fails to address the fact that overpriced drinks will drive students'both of age and otherwise'in greater numbers to potentially dangerous and unsupervised house parties.
The subcommittee's report counters this problem by suggesting greater house party enforcement by police officers, which proponents say could contribute to the prevention of mass alcohol consumption. This proposal smells too much of the ill-fated Operation Sting, which fortunately met its maker a few years ago. Taking money from the already overextended city coffers to police house parties did not make sense five years ago, and would certainly be ill-advised today. The Madison Police Department is already desperately understaffed. Moreover, the shift away from complaint-driven police attention to house parties will only serve to drive a larger wedge between students and the police force charged with their protection.
However, the proposed entertainment districts, which would give the city greater authority and flexibility in certain areas, could result in some benefits for students. Increased security through bar cooperation will increase safety for bar patrons and may allow police to address more important concerns. The districts would also allow the ALRC to adjust capacity limits and be more flexible in regards to alcohol-free events. Such events are necessary for those looking to decrease the alcohol-oriented environment at UW-Madison, and the ALRC's encouragement could help.
On the other hand, the entertainment district's separate regulations could easily open up a Pandora's box of rules'such as the ban on drink specials'aimed mainly at students. The benefits promised by the proposed districts may turn up empty. The city has consistently turned a blind eye to past opportunities increasing events for underage students, and there is no indication that it would change its course.
Nonetheless, the report does include a few proposals that may benefit students, including educating bartenders and bar owners about identifying intoxicated customers. This can only help prevent patrons from exceeding their limits'the more educated the staff, the safer the patrons.
The subcommittee's proposals seek to turn Madison into a safer environment for everyone, but they must be implemented with all citizens in mind. UW-Madison students are Madison residents as well, and attempts to ignore that fundamental fact are arrogant and negligent.
The subcommittee will hold a forum Thursday, April 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in 5120 Grainger Hall. All concerned students should attend the hearing, educate themselves about the plans for their neighborhood and speak to the people who plan to change Madison's nightlife.
