Removing 21 ordinance would be irresponsible

A common argument against the Iowa City 21 ordinance is that it forces underage students to go to house parties rather than the bars if they want to go out. I respectfully disagree based on the simple fact that it's a choice to go to house parties; a choice that the city does not officially endorse with a law granting access.

Should the ordinance be repealed, it symbolizes an open invitation for students under the age of 21 to enter establishments whose primary revenue source is the sale of alcohol. Why would we want to recreate an environment that endorses underage access to bars? Since the ordinance went into effect the downtown area is safer, more vibrant and becoming increasingly diverse in terms of the businesses available to consumers.

Removing the 21 ordinance would be a step in the wrong direction for the Iowa City community. With your vote of “no” on Nov. 5, you recognize that it would be irresponsible for the city to send mixed messages to students under the age of 21 by granting them access to drinking establishments.

Jon Sexton

North Liberty