<p>I thought I would share the article under the University of Iowa forum. I personally was surprise to see these measures also noting that there was a public vote in 2007 that favored 19+ into the Iowa City bars. For me, I have been attracted to University of Iowa and Iowa City which is one reason why the school have been high on my list. I find the city to be unique offering not only a city of arts and creativity to its college residents but also a nightlife for when it's desired. I personally favored the way Iowa City and the University of Iowa connected but definately would be concern of my interest with the school if there was less offered to young adults when speaking of nightlife as it is basically a collegetown.</p>
<p>What are others view of this?
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I'm not a resident of Iowa but could be a possile student at UI this fall. I was surprise to see this article especially after a public vote in 2007. Eventhough I am unsure of which university to attend I have always been attracted to UI and the uniques of Iowa City which is one reasons why I have the school high on my list. I couldn't imagine reasons for the city to overrule the public vote. If measures of underage drinking is a concern as it will always be I don't see how it could be better handle in private house parties or even closing young adults nightlife.
<p>I have actually been reading comments to the article. From reading, I have seen a mix of responses though most oppose the 21 only. Some posters have even made reference that in November there will be a law allowing anyone of age 18+ to enter bars. I know there are many important threads one can post but I thought it would be interesting to know what other cc users think.</p>
<p>really glad there are to be more options that sitting in a dorm room drinking. Part of the fun of a bar atmosphere is just being with people, eating nachos and drinking a coke works too.</p>
<p>Forgot to update that the oridance did pass meaning after 10pm those 18-20 year olds can not enter the bars. In November there will be a public voting and from my understanding the students will repeal the 21 only. For more info check dailyiowan or press-citizen as you should be able to find a few old/ new articles.</p>
<p>I have also been following this via the dailyiowan – so only half-jokingly, does this mean that those under 21 need to enter the bars and start drinking earlier in the night?</p>
<p>Well if your under 21 and want to be in the bars past 10pm then you have to enter before 10pm. Also you may be surprise but mostly all under 21 do not drink at the bars ( its illegal). As Iowa City offers a large variety of arts and music which is a great environment to grow in. From my understanding there is usually a concert every night if you want to attend one.</p>
<p>Points well taken, Coolbreeze – I think you hit on a few key points. There are tons of things to do at Iowa, many students already take advantage of these things rather than drinking, and the amount of drinking will (to some extent) be inversely proportional to the extent to which the administration and student groups provide fun alternatives.For example, i read in the DI this week that there is a rock concert at the Quadrangle dorm this weekend (I believe).</p>
<p>I also have been following this in the Daily Iowan. My understanding of the new law is that under-21s are admitted to bars only prior to 10pm, ie must leave at 10.</p>
<p>When I was with my son recently for his shadow visit I did patronize one of these fine establishments for the cheapest burger basket and largest beer I’d ever seen for $3. Had a weird flashback to my own days in Madison, actually! Anyway, I asked another patron, clearly a faculty member, how its possible to have people in bars who legally cannot drink, and he explained that there’s a sort-of system of wristbands that’s not what you’d call stringently enforced. </p>
<p>It’s interesting to see that the SoBar group, who appears dedicated not so much to abstinence as responsible drinking, are gearing up for next fall to create a culture of having fun without being plastered. I’m glad to see this. I’ve never felt that abstinence was realistic on campus, but I’ve been uncomfortable also with Iowa’s party rep. I’m hoping the new law can create a more moderate climate between these extremes.</p>
<p>I had a good laugh as I read your post. I went to UIUC – drinking age at the time was 19 in Illinois, but in Urbana, you could get in the bars at age 18. There was a freshman bar in Urbana called TBirds where all the freshmen went. They would stamp the hands of 18 year olds (indicating they were too young to drink) and then the stamps were promptly (as in within 15 seconds) wiped off. I think the logic of the town and police (aside from tax revenue and who knows what other revenue) was that they would rather have students drinking in a bar than all over town at house and dorm parties. There were occasional “raids” and accompanying wrist slaps, but we did not take it seriously. </p>
<p>So on the one hand, if there are loopholes, intentional or not, students will quickly find them if they want to. That said, fewer will want to find those loopholes if there are enough better, cooler, or more enjoyable alternatives to keep them interested. </p>
<p>Will be interesting to watch this unfold, I share your concerns, and I hope the school and town are both successful in engaging students increasingly in safer and healthier weekend activities. It also got me thinking if there is a role we as parents can play to help nudge things in the right direction to everyone’s benefit?</p>