Educator sees effects of underage drinking

As a frequent visitor to the Iowa City area, I am proud of the City Council for taking action and approving the ordinance that prohibits people under age 21 from bars after 10 p.m. The city's efforts to reduce underage drinking should be applauded.

The various problems associated with binge drinking in Iowa City were getting out of hand. Iowa City has become a destination for underage drinking. The financial burden on the city to handle those situations has been enormous.

As a high school employee, I have heard from students who have returned from a weekend in Iowa City, because they see it a place that has a relaxed attitude about teens drinking and therefore they think they can get away with more.

The most important issue on the November ballot is the threat to the city's 21-only ordinance. This new law is vital to our overall public health and safety. Please vote “no” to keep the 21 ordinance in place.

Lynne Zoulek

Washington

KC STAAR Project Director

Keokuk County