News

Columbia's Five Points sees drop in alcohol-related issues after new rules imposed on bars

Saturday, May 14, 2022
Post and Courier

Five Points has had fewer issues with underage drinking and related problems since numerous bars began operating under tighter rules, Columbia police say. During the recent school year, there were fewer citations for underage drinking and fewer trips to the hospital for University of South Carolina first-year students, according to the police and university. Among the rules these bars now operate under: The bars are required to check all identifications with new high-tech scanners to foil the frequent use of fakes. The newer scanners, already in place at some bars, are touted by their makers to find fake IDs that can fool basic equipment; the bars cannot offer specials on alcoholic drinks and must charge at least $3 per beer and $3.50 per liquor drink; the bars must keep records of all ID scans and be ready to provide those and security camera footage of bar areas to law enforcement upon request.

American Institutes for Research

U.S. Department of Education

The contents of the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments Web site were assembled under contracts from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools to the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Contract Number  91990021A0020.

This Web site is operated and maintained by AIR. The contents of this Web site do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education nor do they imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.

©2024 American Institutes for Research — Disclaimer   |   Privacy Policy   |   Accessibility Statement