This strategy started last fall. However, bar owners have recently offered objections to the strategy. We have always had a good relationship with the police department. Silverwood said the police department has responded to these complaints appropriately and has always expected bars to help with their effort to make sure patrons are of age. Johnson's comment, as well as the evidence of violence in the area, justifies what police always thought was true.
Some bars are easier for minors to get into than others.
The MPD does not hold underage drinking as their primary concern. We opposed the change to 21 when it was implemented. When an officer enters a bar and half of the patrons get up and leave, that tells you something about the age of those on hand. Another major issue is the number of bars in the area. Several people have expressed a concern over how many liquor licenses are issued in Madison.