I know my audience base isn't very large (in fact I feel the majority of my readers were included in the discussion yesterday) however I am interested in turning this into a larger conversation.
- What are possible ways to reduce the amount of alcohol imbibed in Iowa City (in the next year or two)?
- What are possible ways to reduce the issues caused by the drinking culture in Iowa City?
- What should bar owners/operators be responsible for? What shouldn't they be held responsible for?
- What state/national regulations would prevent taxing served drinks in Iowa City?
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I've been tossing this around in my head for quite some time. It seems that for every possible solution there is some downside that is equally as bad.
ReplyDeleteI'd hate to see people who are responsible drinkers punished because so many others are irresponsible. But I think that some sort of limit on drink specials would be a good start. Many people drink to excess because it is affordable to do so. I would hope that if a drink were twice as expensive perhaps a person would drink half as much. Obviously they could just start drinking more at home before they go out, but it seems they would already be doing that since it is more economic as it is.
I hold the University somewhat accountable as well. It seems they should have a system in place to punish those who are consistently breaking laws and rules. Some sort of academic probation for excessive drinking charges? Clearly a fine is not deterring the kids from getting wasted maybe academic punishment beyond the fine would help.
Also, with regard to that Fry kid who beat the friendly elderly Jew guy to death, they should make an example of him. I have personal bias in this so that is kind of unfair for me to say. However, I do believe that it would give the appearance of Iowa City taking a strong stance against alcohol related crimes. Drinking is never a good excuse for assault, murder, rape, etc.
I don't know that you can hold the owners/operators responsible for anything other than people drinking to excess or underage people drinking. What the people do once they leave the establishment shouldn't fall on the owner. It'd be nice if bars were not going to serve people more drinks once they are clearly well beyond the state of intoxication.
Overall there are no quick fixes for the problem. It really comes down to personal responsibility. Somebody needs to be teaching these kids (and some of the older crowd) that there are limits.
It appears you can hold the bars responsible for the actions of their clients. And Cedar Rapids is doing it with a vengeance. http://rickmsmith.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/there’s-a-new-sheriff-in-town-and-he’s-the-police-chief-just-ask-the-tycoon-tavern/
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