New Alcohol Rules Designed To Crack Down On Ecstasy
Critics Say New Policies Will Only Encourage Drug Use
Denver authorities have announced plans to tighten liquor regulations to
fight the use of ecstasy, banning the sale of alcohol anywhere in
nightclubs or small music halls if minors are present.
Currently, people younger than 21 are allowed into some clubs if
they are seated separately from adults who are served alcohol.
License holders will be told of the change by Tuesday, said Helen
Gonzales, director of excises and licenses.
The new rules take effect April 15.
The change is designed to help officers and club owners find and stop drug use, especially the rave drug ecstasy, police detective Michael Patrick said.
"This will make it easier for the club owners as well as the
vice bureau to go in and look for signs of drug use, and drug
sales, without also worrying about age requirements, service to
intoxicated persons, or all the other things that are involved with
enforcing the liquor code," he said.
While teen drug use nationwide has fallen or stayed the same in
recent years, ecstasy use has climbed. Ecstasy users normally
experience euphoria and an increased desire to interact socially,
but their blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature increase
dramatically.
Two recent deaths prompted authorities to search for ways to
crack down on drug use. Brittney Chambers, 16, died Feb. 2 after
taking ecstasy. Police were investigating whether drugs were a
factor in the death of an 18-year-old, who was sitting naked on Interstate 70 in Denver when he was struck by a hit-and-run
vehicle.
A music promoter warned that the new rules will hurt clubs that offer
all-age shows and will not discourage drug use.
"If the city thinks they have a drug problem now, wait until
the kids have nowhere to go," promoter Mike Barsch said.
"In my eyes, boredom breeds drug use. They're going to find
other parties or underground settings to go to. I think it makes it
worse."
Barsch said that he will not be able to book some bands for shows because
of the loss of revenue from alcohol sales.
Kelly Hayden, 19, a University of Colorado student, said the
crackdown was counterproductive.
"Sometimes the music is what keeps people out of trouble,
especially in high school," she said.
"If you take this venue away from them, we're going to have
nothing to do and then start reverting to drinking and drugs,"
Hayden said.
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Barsch said that he will not be able to book some bands for shows because
of the loss of revenue from alcohol sales.
Kelly Hayden, 19, a University of Colorado student, said the
crackdown was counterproductive.
"Sometimes the music is what keeps people out of trouble,
especially in high school," she said.
"If you take this venue away from them, we're going to have
nothing to do and then start reverting to drinking and drugs,"
Hayden said.
- March 22, 2001: Friends Of Teen Ecstasy Victim Plead Guilty
- March 13, 2001: Nude Man Killed On Highway Was At Rave Party, Friends Say
- March 2, 2001: Ecstasy Party Broken Up In Westminster, Police Say
- February 23, 2001: Warrant Issued For Boy In Ecstasy Case
- February 22, 2001: Ecstasy Dangers Discussed At High School Meeting
- February 16, 2001: Ecstasy Suspect Jailed In Drug Case
- February 16, 2001: Teen Suspected Of Taking Ecstasy Released From Hospital
- February 12, 2001: Ecstasy Death Caused By 'Water Intoxication'
- February 3, 2001: Girl In Ecstasy-Induced Coma Dies
Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
