SA: R. 16: Resolution Supporting the Extension of Tompkins County Bar Closing Hours

As discussed Thursday, 25 January 2007.

Whereas, current county statute requires bars to close at 1:00 a.m.;

Whereas, students at bars often drink excessively immediately before 1:00 a.m. because there is not more time to spread out drinking in the bars, and this effect is especially noticeable during 21st birthday celebrations;

Whereas, students at bars often do not stop drinking at 1:00 a.m., but go instead to after-hours parties in apartments and houses;

Whereas, these parties are unsupervised, and they have easily and cheaply attainable alcohol for all attendees, regardless of levels of inebriation;

Whereas, drinks in bars are comparatively expensive, and are not served to customers who are clearly intoxicated;

Whereas, extending the bar closing time to 2 a.m. will reduce the number of house parties taking place in the early morning hours;

Whereas, a reduced number of house parties will lead to less excessive drinking, resulting in improved student health and safety;

Whereas, a reduced number of house parties will reduce noise levels and police citations in areas heavily populated by students;

Be it therefore resolved that the Student Assembly recommends that the Tompkins County Legislature extend the legal bar closing time to 2 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kwame Thomison ‘07 President, Student Assembly

Adam Gay ‘08 Representative, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Mitch Fagen ‘07

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