Friday night's Alcohol License Review Committee ""bar walk-along"" revealed no major problems with downtown and campus establishments.
According to Cpt. Carl Gloede of the Madison Police Department, the purpose of the walk-along was to expose ALRC members to bars they would not normally visit and make sure the bars are in compliance with their license.
The ALRC inspected 13 bars in total, spanning over two miles of downtown territory from Williamson Street to University Avenue. The bars that were selected included new businesses, places that feature live entertainment and establishments that have had issues in the past, said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
""I didn't see anything surprising or disturbing tonight,"" Verveer said. ""There aren't many issues to fix.""
Friday's event had a fairly low turnout of committee members compared to the last walk-along that took place on Homecoming weekend, Gloede said. Those who did attend were surprised at how low-key the bars were on Friday.
""This night seems very tame compared to last time we did this,"" said ALRC member Pam Bean. ""But I think everyone is on good behavior when they see us coming.""
ALRC members did mention the issue of managing the long lines outside popular spots such as Logan's, Gloede said. Lines outside the bars are still the responsibility of the establishment and need to be kept under control, he said.
Underage drinking is always an issue for the ALRC. Although the purpose of Friday's walk-along was not to bust underage drinkers, committee members did express concerns over what they described as ""babies drinking alcohol"" during a Greek event at Zander's Capitol Grill.
According to Verveer, the next ALRC bar walk-along is tentatively planned as a two-night event starting June 2 and will include a tour of nondowntown establishments.
