Bill to raise bar entry age not expected to pass

For the second time in two years, state lawmakers are trying to raise the bar-entry age to 21 across Illinois, but once again it doesn't look like the proposal will pass.

Individual municipalities or counties determine entry age, but supporters of a new house bill want to prohibit people under 21 from entering premises where alcohol is sold, given or delivered. However, the bill's main supporter, Rep. Paul Froehlich, R-Schaumburg, said the bill will most likely not pass again this year.

"I think that most people across the state aren't necessarily aware that minors are let into clubs under the pretense that they are not drinking," Froehlich said. "Towns make money by fining the kids, and it's kind of a game. Unfortunately, liquor people have lots of clout, and this sort of de facto lowering of the drinking age will probably continue." Last year between July 1 and Dec. 30, Carbondale police arrested 228 minors for underage consumption or possession of alcohol. Both violations carry a fine of $250.

Jim Karayiannis, general manager of Pinch Penny Pub and Copper Dragon Brewing Co., said drinking is part of college life, and raising the entry age from 19, the rule in Carbondale, to 21 would not deter underage drinking. Instead, Karayiannis said it would force underage drinkers to go to house parties, which offer less supervision compared to drinking in a bar under the watchful eye of bouncers and bartenders.

"It's part of being in college; it's one of those social skills that people learn," Karayiannis said. "I personally think if your are going to drink, and those who are determined enough will no matter what, better to do it in a supervised environment than a house party where you have no idea who is coming or going." Carbondale Police Chief Steve Odum said about a decade ago the city briefly raised the bar entry age, which did force police to redirect resources to combat house parties. He said raising the entry age would force police to rethink their strategy a bit but shouldn't cause any major shakeups.

"It's not for me to say I agree or disagree with the idea," Odum said. "Our job is to enforce the law, and that's what we will do." Matt Maier, owner of Mugsy McGuire's Restaurant and Pub, said he doesn't quite know what to think about the proposal, except that it is a step in the wrong direction. "It's my personal feeling that if you are old enough to fight and die for your country, then you should be able to drink a beer when you are 18," Maier said. "If they are trying to combat underage drinking, I think they are going in the opposite direction." Maier said the change could potentially affect the bar area of his business, particularly on nights when comedy acts perform and a large number of underage people attend.

The bill would allow for some entry exceptions, most notably for establishment employees, who must be 18. If no action is taken on the bill, as Froehlich expects, he said he is unsure if he will push the issue again next year. "I think most people would agree that it's not the best environment to prevent underage drinking," Froehlich said. "There are pitchers being served and plastic cups being passed around. It's kind of a farce to say underage kids aren't drinking in these places."