The prevalence of alcohol-related problems on campus necessitates a solution that addresses all causes. The Alcohol License Review Committee's proposed plan to control the density of bars between Blair and Lake Streets is good in theory but fails to focus on improving Madison city life.
Research shows that in the Madison area, 57 to 67 percent of all police activity between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. has involved alcohol. Also, a majority of battery crimes in the Central District involved persons under the influence of alcohol.
The draft of this plan, which focuses on the alcohol licenses of bars and liquor stores, describes how research has shown that the density of alcohol establishments directly relates to alcohol-caused problems in that area.
While this plan has the potential to decrease crime during the late hours of the evening in certain areas, it will not stop people from drinking. Rather, it will move the alcohol related problems to new bars or stores. It neither changes Madison's image as a drinking town not solves drinking-related problems.
The ALRC's proposal needs to contain a provision that will attract non-alcohol related businesses to the downtown Madison area. The proposed draft only mentions this need as an afterthought.
Problems related to alcohol in Madison need to focus on more than the licensing aspect.
If the city of Madison wants to change the culture of the city and make the atmosphere on State Street more family-friendly, then the city needs to attract more businesses like sit down bookstores or high-end grocery stores.
If the plan of attrition takes effect and removes certain bars and liquor stores from downtown Madison, it still does not provide a place where parents can take their kids—save a museum or restaurant—which is something downtown Madison severely lacks.
