Young dancers had fun without alcohol

For the past few months I have been reading newspaper articles, letters to the editor and going to forums on the 21-only ordinance.

It seems clear to me that underage drinking is a real problem for Iowa City, that the city has become a destination for such drinking, that the bars do not have control over the situation, that since the 21-only ordinance has been in effect there have been fewer undesirable incidents downtown and that house parties have not taken over neighborhoods.

Last month, I was in Decorah visiting friends, and we went to a community dance in an old former schoolhouse outside of town. The music was live (string instruments), and people of all ages were dancing, but most of the dancers there were young and having a great time. In fact, it was the best time I have seen people have in a long while. And the only beverage to drink was water.

The obvious point being that everyone can have fun without alcohol. Let's keep the 21 ordinance and work to find other venues for entertainment.

Vote no on Nov. 2 to maintain the 21 ordinance.

Rebecca Reiter

Iowa City