The University of Florida does not support the proposal for extending bar closing from 2 am to 3 am, even with the understanding alcohol would not be sold or served after 2 am.   Based on data from the 2004 CORE survey administered by Gator Well Health Promotions, only 16% of our students believe this is an important issue for the City to consider.  We have not been able to identify any data that will support the argument that allowing a 3 am closing in bars will ensure a “responsible drinking environment and alleviate the current problem of excessive crowding, violence and crime.”  While the later closing could theoretically lessen congestion and crowds, there is no evidence that it could reduce crime rates or lessen pressure on police, traffic and patrons.  In fact it could make for a more volatile situation, as Dr. Paul Doering and Dr. Phil Barkley will explain.

To address issues presents in previous discussions:
We acknowledge there is an inherent problem with bars closing abruptly after last call, forcing students into the streets, that public and paid transportation may be difficult to access, taxi services may be at capacity and that buses may be overcrowded.  While at first glance a later closing appears to be a logical solution, closer scrutiny will show it is a very flawed suggestion and the City should consider other alternatives.  One question to ask is why is this crowd issue different from folks leaving a movie theater or basketball game?  The answer is many of the patrons are impaired from the large amounts of alcohol that have been consumed, they have poor judgment and they are making unsafe decisions.  The problem is caused by the push for drinks at last call, the cheap availability of alcohol through drink specials and overcrowding of the bars. An additional hour will not solve the problem.

It is being argued that a later closing will encourage responsible behavior by providing an opportunity to make sensible decisions about when to vacate and ensure an efficient 

and orderly exit with an hour to trickle home and leave establishments at leisure.  The reality in all probability will very different, as decisions made by impaired persons will not follow a rational decision-making processes… in all probability most patrons will leave when the taps have been turned off.   It is being claimed that because UF students have high GPA’s and SAT’s, they will respond intelligently.  However those scores cannot be used as accurate indicators of potential alcohol use or non-use and/or decision-making while impaired.

In addition, we question the economic incentive for the businesses… it is not reasonable to assume there will be responsible activity in bars when no alcohol can be sold or served during the additional hour.   We believe the bars need to be more responsible and follow existing laws.

Some additional programs have been suggested by Student Government to balance the extended hour proposal:

* UF supports their proposal to develop a marketing campaign which will address alcohol abuse by including information on transportation, tow and go, effect of alcohol on system, emergency info, etc.  This campaign should be in conjunction with the existing campaigns coordinated by Gator Well and other health educators on campus.

* UF supports their proposal for monthly roundtable discussions including bar owners to discuss pertinent information on alcohol distribution and responsible consumption, provided those roundtables include health and wellness professionals.  The opportunity to have the community come together about 


* these issues and look at viable solutions such as ID Scanners, elimination of drink specials and the Responsible Vendor program should benefit all parties.

Some of the SG proposals are already being coordinated on campus: 
* Alcohol education is already addressed at Preview, First Year Florida, for all Greek students and in residence halls. 

* UF strongly supports the existing online alcohol education program and is discussing requiring it for all students.

Some of the SG proposals have flaws: 
* Possibly expanded Later Gator service, increased routes and frequency of bus runs is commendable, depending on the additional cost to students and whether a majority of students approve the additional expense.

* Increased late night activities on campus are being addressed but the sheer number of students suggests that it will be critical for local businesses to also consider developing late night non-alcohol locations, such as coffee houses, etc. 

Again, while in theory extending the bar hours appears to be a logical solution to identified safety issues concerning bar closings, this proposal is flawed and will prove to be more of a problem than a solution and the University of Florida does not support it.  As the Gainesville Sun stated in their April 14  editorial: “Is it a good idea?  No.  If nothing else, it would send a mixed message about the city’s attitude toward excessive drinking …”  



As many of you know, there are three sub-committees reviewing the 3 areas of concern identified in a February Town-Gown meeting: Enforcement, Access and Marketing and Culture/Social Environment.  There is clearly a strong interest in resolving the problems that center around alcohol abuse.  We have received many emails supporting the steps that have been taken.  UF does not support the proposed extension of bar hours, as it will not contribute positively to solving the current problem of unsafe crowds in downtown Gainesville at the 2 am closings. 

Please hear the comments of Dr. Paul Doering, Distinguished Service Faculty of the UF College of Pharmacy and Dr. Phil Barkley, director of the UF Student Health Care Center to support our stance.


Comments by Lohse Beeland, chair, 
UF Committee on Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Policy 
at the April 21, 2005 City of Gainesville Public Safety Committee, page 1