Louisiana (KLFY) – If you are under 21, you may not be able to go to bars much longer.
A state senator proposes a bill after the tragic death of an LSU student Madison Brooks in hopes of preventing underage drinking.
Residents News 10 spoke with mixed opinions on the bill. Some say they think it’s a good thing, while others say it’s not a good idea for the state, despite the benefits it’s supposed to create.
VIDEO: LSU student Madison Brooks exits the Tigerland bar
“I went to college in upstate New York and what I looked forward to when I came back to Louisiana was the fact that you could go to bars. As someone who lived in a state where it was over 21, it was detrimental to a lot of businesses there because the youth wanted to support a lot of places and couldn’t,” said Colette Bernard.
“Going out in bars when I was 18 was the time of my life, even though I wasn’t drinking. I think there’s such a positive social impact whenever you go to a bar,” added Noah Hebert of Lafayette Ward.
“I’m keen on opening the bars to 18-year-olds, that’s a good introduction because 18-year-olds will still be sneaking into the bars anyway,” Gabrielle Sonnier told News 10.
Many residents told News 10 they believe lawmakers shouldn’t make the decision for the entire state.
“I generally think people should be left alone to do what they want to do. I think parents should probably be more responsible for what kids do than the government,” said Andre Toce Jr.
“If they want to stop underage drinking, that’s probably going to slow things down a bit. But if you’re drafted at 18, I think you should be able to drink at 18. Most other countries are 18 too, so I don’t see why it should be 21 anyway,” another Lafayette township resident, Garrett Manitzas, added.
While the goal of the proposed bill is to make it harder for young adults to access alcohol, residents here say state legislatures should look for other solutions.
“I think asking the question ‘What do I think about this law’ begs the question, what’s there for young people and adults that isn’t alcohol related? I wish we had more things like playrooms, places to cheaply pick up a craft or skill,” Diane Kirksey told News Ten.
The bill will come up for debate in April.
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