21-only law improves UI’s image

By Greg Pelc

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This past summer, I met a Northern Illinois senior named Chris who had visited Iowa City on a few occasions. Eager to share my love for the University of Iowa, I asked if he walked around the Pentacrest, strolled through the Pedestrian Mall or cheered on the Hawks.

“I don't remember,” Chris smirked. “I was drunk the entire time.”

Unfortunately, his remarks highlight the unhealthy overconsumption of alcohol present in Iowa City. Moreover, he also represents the out-of-town visitors who treat Iowa City as a destination town for a weekend's fun, leaving disaster in their wake.

When I asked Chris about his plans to return to Iowa City, I learned why he came in the first place.

“I'm 21 now.” Chris muttered. “I can go to bars without driving three hours. There's no reason to go back.”

Excessive overconsumption is the root of Iowa City's difficulties with alcohol. The binge drinking is inextricably linked to the bars that promote environments of intoxication.

These bars profit off the most at-risk consumers - the young, inexperienced and illegal. While I would be glad to have a discussion about altering the drinking age, state law has placed it at 21 (required to qualify for federal funding). I believe city leaders were justified in passing the 21-only ordinance.

Naysayers have argued that city leaders cannot reduce binge drinking. To them, I offer the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “While it may be true that morality cannot be legislated, behavior can be regulated.” The 21-ordinance will not stop all binge drinking, but the ordinance has started to limit it.

Four months after the 21-ordinance came into effect, I am encouraged by signs. For the fourth year, I am living in the residence halls and it is there that I have seen the greatest improvement.

This semester has been tame. In past years, students have consumed several shots before stumbling downtown. No longer.

Without the open door of a nearby bar, underage students appear to be waiting to drink, at least until they find the right location.

I have seen multiple groups of students return to the residence halls after being unable to find a location to drink. Some may continue to seek a location, but others grow tired of looking. Some are choosing to get involved within the residence hall or campus late-night activities.

Vote “no” on Nov. 2 to keep the 21-only ordinance and help future first-year students have a positive introduction to the University of Iowa.

Greg Pelc, a senior from Oelwein, has served on the University of Iowa Student Health Advisory Committee since August of 2008. Comments: gregory-pelc@uiowa.edu