If a proposed Metro Council ordinance amendment passes, the age at which people can enter all Baton Rouge bars would rise to 21.
The current ordinance states the age to enter bars in Baton Rouge is 18.
Jim Benham, District 12 councilman, said he proposed the amendment to prevent underage drinking. His amendment would enforce existing laws, not change the drinking age.
Benham also clarified what types of businesses would be affected if the amendment passes.
“It’s not for restaurants but for establishments whose primary business is alcohol — bars and lounges,” he said.
The council Finance and Executive Committee, made up of four district councilmen and women, heard Benham and other concerned East Baton Rouge Parish residents and business owners express reasons for support or opposition for the amendment at a meeting Wednesday.
Finance and Executive Committee members do not vote amendments and ordinances into action. They simply decide whether to send items from their meetings with recommendations to meetings with the full Metro Council.
The entire Metro Council then votes on items.
Benham was the only person who spoke in favor of his amendment.
Student Government President Allen Richey attended the meeting to express opposition and to ask the Finance and Executive committee to remove the amendment from their agenda.
“The reason I wanted to speak is that I think this policy initiative is not going to accomplish its goal,” he said.
Richey did not elaborate on his position, saying he would give more reasons at the Feb. 25 full Metro Council meeting.
Chris Young, who spoke on behalf of the Louisiana Alcoholic Beverage Control, also opposed the amendment.
“It’s [underage drinking] illegal already,” he said. “Let’s enforce the law.”
Willie Shelton, owner of Club Upscale on Nicholson Drive, said he would lose a large percentage of his patrons if the age at which they can enter his establishment rises.
Shelton said the amendment could “tremendously” hurt his club if it passes.
The council will hear more public commentary and vote on the amendment at the Feb. 25 meeting.