Hubbard echoed Cowles's comments by saying students need a place they can go and be with other students. He made refe rence to his niece who goes to the bars in Maryville only to be with friends and chooses not to drink. I think there is something we can learn from that. Prohibition didn't work in this country. A bar is neutral.
Bars can be a useful social environment.
I don't think, by definition, a bar is a bad place. As human beings we do interact with each other and young people need that interaction. Going to a bar by itself is not a bad thing. City Manager David Angerer said while the committee does not think increasing the age will stop underage drinking, it will send a message to students that the city will not facilitate illegal behavior by allowing minors to enter a bar. The committee met with bar owners earlier in the summer to hear their opinion on the possible increase.