A long process came to an end with the approval of the keg ordinance during the Story County Board of Supervisors meeting Thursday night. The ordinance will go into effect March 20.

“I think it’s a good thing, because people won’t be as tempted to let minors drink,” said Allison Smith, junior in health and human performance.

“It forces them to be responsible for their actions.”

Amy Waggoner, junior in sociology, said the ordinance would have no effect on her parties.

“We have small parties where we know everyone there,” she said. “I think it would have an effect on a lot of other people.”

After hearing further concerns and comments from the public, Supervisors Jane Halliburton, Wayne Clinton and Don Toms passed the keg ordinance unanimously.

“It has been a long process,” Toms said. “I really appreciate the input.”

Toms said that he understands that the ordinance isn’t a “silver bullet” that will fix binge drinking among minors, but will be a piece of the puzzle.

Despite the supervisors’ approval, some disagree with the law.

“My opinion has not changed,” said Dave Stout, an ISU alumnus. “I still think it won’t be effective.”

He said the law would never be effective as long as a readily-available alternative, such as hard liquor, is easily accessible.

Gregory Bonett, senior in electrical engineering and president of ACLU at ISU, said that he would like an amendment to part of the law to prevent abuse.

“I don’t think it would happen, but just in case,” Bonett said. “I would like to include ‘and should be rationally related to a crime’ before the police are allowed access [to the records].”

Story County Attorney Stephen Holmes said the ordinance has already been rewritten to its current state in an attempt to address the concerns that had been brought up at previous forums.

Denise Denton, senior lecturer in health and human performance, said providing alcohol to minors is not being responsible.

“When we have the opportunity to do something but don’t, we enable,” Denton said.

Clinton said the law would help prevent underage drinking.

“I feel that this is my opportunity,” Clinton said. “We wanted to do it right and I am proud of the process.”

Keg Ordinance

Beginning March 20, the new keg registration law will require the following:

Anyone buying a keg must provide a photo ID with their name, address and identification number to the seller for their records.

The seller will record the information in a log and place a sticker on the keg, enabling police to trace the keg to who bought it.

Sellers will be required to give the records of sales to police upon request, although officers will not be allowed access until 12 hours after the sale.

Damaging the sticker and removing it from the keg are illegal, although it must be removed and destroyed after the keg is returned.

The information given to the seller must be kept for a minimum of six months.

– Compiled by Jeff Lewis