I'm writing in response to the new liquor law that includes provisions that establishments with a liquor license must have at least one chaperone over the age of 25 for every five minors allowed on the premises.

This law is absolutely terrible, and is one of the worst ideas our lawmakers have had to try to curb underage drinking in our community.

Underage shows at establishments like the Crowbar have always been an alcohol-free haven to all persons who enjoy music, but don't want to have to be in an "alcoholic" environment to hear a live band.

From my personal experience, there has never been a problem with alcohol being given to underage persons at an all-ages Crowbar show. The bar maintains strict security between its two
levels, and much as I've tried to smuggle beer down, there's just no way to do it.

Now that this non-alcoholic party option has been effectively eliminated, students who might have spent an alcohol-free evening getting "drunk" from the vibes of their favorite band, now are reduced to party options including: A) go to a fraternity and drink beer, B) go to a friend's party and drink beer, C) buy (or have a friend buy) alcohol and stay home to get drunk, or D) try to get in a bar with a fake ID and get drunk. Quite an effective law, isn't it?