<p>Looks like the 21+ issue will be on the Nov 2 ballot. A legit petition was submitted:
University</a> of Iowa, Iowa City Officials Push for 21-only Bars | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Local News</p>
<p>I may be a little slow, but if under-21s are marked at the door and if the fine for being caught in the bars after 10 is pretty bad (isn't it $700? or $300?) how can there be such a huge problem? I'm trying to picture my son with an X on his hand swilling a beer in a public place at midnight, oblivious to the consequences and I just can't see it. Or maybe it's so prevalent?</p>
<p>I do not think Iowa City should be 21 only. Though in November there will be a vote and if all goes well it will stay 19. If the city council wants to address binge drinking there needs to be a different approach were all adults are treated fairly in the equation and not just 21’s.</p>
<p>I have read recent articles about 21 only. City council states concern for the school party reputation and how people from all over ( even 60 miles out) travel to Iowa City every night to party due to the entrance age and night scene.</p>
<p>Having attended a Big Ten school (many years ago) when the age to get into the bars was lower than the drinking age, the threat of occasional “bar raids” and a fine did not stop many students from entering legally, and drinking illegally. We always felt that the actions of the university and police indicated that they were fine with the behavior, since they did nothing meaningful to stop it. </p>
<p>I agree the current fine, plus the threat of being published in the DailyIowan (and therefore available via Google search) is more of a reason not to get caught, but if the administration and/or town wants to limit drinking, taking a harder line approach, as with 21-only will be needed. Teens are after all, inherently risk takers. </p>
<p>However, I think the more important part of the equation, which is being worked, is to provide more interesting options for weekend activities/entertainment. Without that, students will find new (and possibly more dangerous) ways to drink.</p>
<p>It is a real shame they changed the age. There will still be phony ID’s and some who just dont care and will not leave at 10pm…So their names will end up in the Blotter…
My son used to like to go to a certain Bar/Restaurant Airliner late for a bite… not sure if they will be affected…</p>
<p>There will be more illegal drinking in the dorms…and let me tell you that the police show up in the dorms especially on the weekend and go floor to floor… looking for violators… I even know someone who got arrested for Drunk and disorderly right outside his dorm room!
The University does not allow any Liquor Paraphernalia in you room either… No Liquor signs or empty bottles… very strict… They sometimes have come through with the DOG!
I think there will be more Dorm arrests this year…</p>