Underage UW-Madison students may soon have new options for night-time entertainment, as the Alcohol Licensing Review Committee's Nightclub Subcommittee refined a proposed ordinance Wednesday that would let certain bars and restaurants host all-ages music events while continuing to sell alcohol.
The proposed ordinance would allow venues to apply for either a nightclub or performing arts license, depending on whether they are classified as a bar or a restaurant. They could then serve alcohol and allow underagers on the premises during live music and dance performances.
It is unclear how underage patrons would be separated from those drinking alcohol, but committee members proposed attaching colored wristbands to customers above the legal drinking age to identify them.
\The main thing is, we were figuring out the nuts and bolts of how we can regulate nightclubs,"" Stephanie Rearick, vice-chair of ALRC and chair of the Nightclub Subcommittee said.
Ald. Austin King, District 8, said the ordinance was needed to provide entertainment options other than underage alcohol use to students under 21.
""People under 21 can't drink at music venues like this,"" he said. ""But at least they'll be able to go out with their friends and attend shows ... one of the big problems we face now is that those who are under 21 have a problem going to see any sort of entertainment because a lot of it happens in bars.""
King said without other entertainment options, underage students are more likely to attend house parties, which, as unregulated events, are often more dangerous than bars.
According to King, making events that want to serve 18 and up crowds alcohol-free is costly to businesses that host such events.
""Having non-alcoholic 18 and up nights tend to be very unprofitable and businesses tend not to want to do it,"" he said.
Marsh Shapiro, ALRC member and owner of the Nitty Gritty Restaurant and Bar, 223 N. Frances St., said for the law to work, the Madison-Dane County Tavern League needs to cooperate.
""It's going to take responsible administration by bar owners and nightclub owners,"" he said. ""I think that the key will be the wristbanding if there are going to be mixed crowds in those venues.\
