When the Oregon Liquor Control Commission approved a new rule, called a minor posting, last week to allow minors into shows where alcohol is served, the hope was that younger crowds would be able to enjoy music and entertainment.
In Eugene, it appears that won’t be the case.
The Emerald asked the managers or owners of 15 of Eugene’s more popular nightclubs that serve alcohol if they would be interested in applying for the new minor posting.
Thirteen said they would definitely not be changing their rules, one said she would be looking into the new possibility, and one said she would consider it once she had more information.
At a glance
| WOW Hall: No Change John Henry’s: No Change Taboo: No Change Mac’s at the Vet’s Club: No Change Diablo’s/Downtown Lounge: No Change Black Forest: No Change Taylor’s Bar & Grille: No Change Jogger’s: No Change Latitude 21: No Change Rock N Rodeo: No Change Davis’: No Change Goodfellas: No Change Max’s: No Change Jo Federigo’s: Considering change, but wants more information Villard Street Pub: Yes, interested in allowing minors in until closing Indigo District: Did not return calls McDonald Theatre: Did not return calls Club SNAFU: Did not return calls Oak Street Speakeasy: Manager could not be reached Sam Bond’s Garage: Manager could not be reached |
In hopes of reviving a withering live music scene and allowing under-21 crowds to attend small concerts, an alliance of Portland music activists had pushed the OLCC for the past year to approve the new rule.
With Eugene being the second largest city in Oregon and home of the state’s second-largest university, many believed a large number of local venues would open up to minors as well.
They were wrong.
The overall consensus was that the risk was too heavy compared to the reward.
“It’s important that Eugene has all-ages venues for music, but there’s a reason there are not really any more of them than the WOW Hall. It’s because it’s too hard to make any money on it and because it’s just too risky,” said Keith Martin, owner of John Henry’s.
Collectively, Eugene owners and managers cited three main reasons for not wanting to open their doors to minors.
Respondents said it would be too easy for minors to consume alcohol if they are mixed with adults who are drinking; adult drinkers won’t enjoy the company of the 18-to-20-year-old crowd, and they fear the OLCC sanctions too much to even attempt to let minors in.
“While it would be cool to have minors in the mix, the risk and liability of having them get a hold of alcohol is not even near worth it compared to the fines we could get, which are very, very steep,” said Pat McCallum, owner of Mac’s at the Vet’s Club.
The number of disinterested establishments does not come as a shock to OLCC officials.
“I’m really not surprised” said Christy Scott, an OLCC spokeswoman. “We’re not going to relax the fine now that minors can be let in, and we’re going to make sure that (owners) are not being lackadaisical on the rules.”
Under the new rule, a club owner would have to devise a “control plan” detailing how to keep minors from consuming or purchasing alcohol, which would then need approval from the OLCC. Among the many examples given the OLCC has suggested options such as a wristband system, using clear cups for minors so employees can see what they are drinking or keeping the two groups in separate areas.
Taboo nightclub is currently the only venue in town that allows both age groups to be in the same room, however, the environment is very controlled, and minors are strictly kept away from all alcohol.
Taboo’s owner, Jeff Gaulton, said the club’s system is hard enough to effectively run, and he sees a number of problems if minors and adults are occupying the same area.
“There’s absolutely no way to stop somebody who has a shot of tequila and a Corona from dropping that shot into his younger buddy’s orange juice,” Gaulton said. “I see what (the OLCC) is trying to do, and I applaud that, but man, that’s a big risk.”
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