A night at the bars: One beer. Gulp. Two beers. Gulp. Gulp. Gulp. It's about the time when that person across the bar is looking more attractive. The couple goes home to do the nasty.

No condom, no problem. Right?

The answer should be an obvious and resounding NO!

As disturbing as the thought may be, we undoubtedly live in an age when too many people fail to face the consequences of their actions. Tatoo's recent decision to begin free weekly condom distribution on Monday Ladies Nights did not create the problem. Instead, it took a first step toward reversing our society's trend of chucked responsibilities.

All men and women -- but especially educated college students -- should be smart enough to purchase a box of condoms before going out for a night of beer drinking and "hooking up." It's the safe thing to do. Unfortunately, many people never take the time to play it safe.

Tatoo started distributing condoms as a promotional gimmick -- an effort to stir up some business on typically slow Monday nights. The fact that Monday nights are also Ladies' Nights raises some additional questions about the company's motivation. But regardless of the motives, the idea deserves kudos.

Other bars may want to follow Tatoo's lead. Bars are in no way obligated to protect their patrons from the dangers of unprotected sex, but alcohol and sex are a common combination. Presumably, people aren't going to stop having sex or stop drinking. Perhaps then, bars can make a real impact on people by raising awareness about safe sex.

Local bars deciding to follow Tatoo don't have to give out contraception only one night of the week just to make more money. They could distribute them at all times as a vital public service.

Still, it's unrealistic to expect all bars to give out condoms every night. The reality is, students must recognize the responsibility to practice safe sex lies in their own laps, not with local bartenders.

Students must follow Tatoo's lead and assume responsibility -- a responsibility for themselves. Go out to a store or to the Ritenour Health Center and pick up a handful of condoms before you decide to have sex, and use them when the time comes.

Not having a condom when the time comes is definitely a problem. Don't let that time come.