When state lawmakers passed a law that changed the ratio of chaperones to minors to 5:1 at all-ages events, they underestimated the effect the legislation would have on local establishments.

But now, as local legislators are working to change the law, Sen. Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, has said that when the bill reaches the Senate he will propose an amendment to ban all mixed-ages nights. This amendment would not only re-create the problems local clubs are seeing with the current legislation, but also would create more problems as establishments would not be able to serve alcohol at any event that people under-21 attend.

Even the mention of such an amendment by Corman shows he is not in-tune with his constituents. For local clubs such as Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., and Players Nite Club, 112 W. College, such a change would not only hurt their business, but their customers as well.

Dave Wells, director of operations for Crowbar, said the change would effectively end national acts performing at the venue.

For local students and residents, Crowbar is the only place in central Pennsylvania to see live acts that are not popular enough to fill the Bryce Jordan Center.

Ending live national bands at Crowbar is unfair to the business, the bands and, most of all, the young people legislators say they are trying to "protect."

Stand in line for any national act and the effects of the current law are apparent. Seeing under-21-year-olds stand in line, waiting to be told whether or not they can attend the show -- even if they already have tickets -- is almost heartbreaking. These young people thank adults over 25 years old as they enter the venue, as their entrance means one more of them will get to use his or her ticket.

But Corman must not know this. According to one of Corman's representatives, this issue is not important to students. Until there is a response, Corman will continue to try to use laws to prevent underage drinking in venues rather than allow the employees, who are paid to do it, to monitor the under-21 patrons.

We suggest you write Corman to tell him and his fellow lawmakers how strongly you feel about this issue, showing him there is a substantial concern about it.

Corman's address is:

Senate Box 203034

Harrisburg, Pa. 17120-3034

or

218 West High Street

Bellefonte, Pa. 16823

E-mail: jcorman@pasen.gov or senator@corman.org

Phone: (717) 787-1377