Despite student concern, Ames Police said they do not intend to use the proposed keg ordinance as a pre-emptive tool to prevent parties.

The ability of police officers to use keg tracking logs as a tool to inhibit parties has been a major concern expressed by students since the Story County Board of Supervisors opened discussion about an updated proposal in late September.

Though an option, Ames Police do not intend to preemptive pursue parties.

“Normally, we respond to complaints, and I don’t predict that’s going to change,” Ames Police Sgt. Brian Braymen said.

Braymen said he estimates 80 percent to 90 percent of the parties officers respond to are because of citizens’ complaints – others are discovered during normal patrols.

“To actually research who’s buying alcohol, we haven’t done it in the past, and I don’t expect we’ll do it in the future,” he said.

Braymen said he agrees with Story County Attorney Steve Holmes that the proposed ordinance could be useful in pinning responsibility on those supplying alcohol to underage drinkers, but cannot remember any incident when Ames Police needed retailers’ records.

“[Retailers] have been cooperative in the past with other issues, but I honestly don’t recall ever asking about a keg. I don’t think it’s been done that I’m aware of,” he said.

Rich Parizek, manager of The Keg Shop, 218 Welch Ave., said Ames Police requested purchaser information one time: to track the purchase of a bottle found at a crime scene.

“It’s never happened before, and I don’t think it will be a problem,” he said. “I don’t see them using the ordinance as a patrol tool.”

Other retailers agreed.

“I’ve been here 18 years and police have never requested that information,” said Dennis Gano, owner of Cyclone Liquors, 626 Lincoln Way.

Parizek said officers already have access to a buyer’s first and last names and his or her phone number, town and ZIP code at his store.

“If requested, we’d ask why [police] need that information then do our best to give them what they need,” he said.

Gano said he would also comply with officers’ requests but is not sure how the proposed ordinance will deter underage drinking.

“I’d do what the law requested, but I don’t see where it’s going to help the situation at all. Thirty packs of beer are pretty cheap these days. A lot of our kegs are five-gallon kegs because they’re special beers. I don’t think it’ll have an effect, just a little more hassle,” he said.

Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald said the ordinance will only reinforce established drinking laws.

“The main objection has been from Iowa State students. Most that spoke claimed they were under 21. We enforce laws, we don’t make them, so for law enforcement officers, it’s the most logical step,” he said.

Fitzgerald said another concern for county officials is high school students running from cornfield parties.

“What’s always left behind is the keg. This ordinance will help us locate where the keg is from and who supplied the alcohol to minors,” he said.

“Now, when somebody signs their name to buy a keg, it’s going to be more a question on them – are they willing to accept the responsibility?”