Ames City Council candidates express doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed keg registration ordinance, although many said they support its intended goal.

Most candidates said it was a step in the right direction, but weren’t sure it would help curb underage drinking.

The ordinance must be approved by the Story County Board of Supervisors before it can go into effect, although the Ames City Council discussed a previous draft of the keg law.

“If people want to abuse alcohol then they will be creative and find other ways to do it,” said Jim Popken, at-large candidate.

Popken said although he doesn’t think the keg ordinance will be as effective as some people believe, he would support it.

“I would support it because it is trying to do something, but I am still concerned about kids essentially moving their drinking to some other form,” he said.

Jeremy Davis, 3rd Ward candidate, also said he didn’t think the ordinance would be effective.

He said it is important to educate youth about the consequences of underage drinking, however.

“I can see where Story County is coming from to help underage drinking and binge drinking, but I don’t think this is the most effective way to go about preventing that,” he said. “Proactive education is the key.”

Russ Cross, at-large candidate, said restricting underage drinking is important but Story County is going about the process – and getting student input – backward.

“Curtailing underage drinking is an important goal, but a number of different approaches should be considered, not just one,” he said. “They start the ball rolling; they say they are going to do this and then they get the students’ opinions – that’s backward.”

Ryan Doll, 3rd Ward candidate, said he wouldn’t consider supporting the keg ordinance until it is finalized and does not have a strong opinion yet.

Doll said he planned to stand outside a business that sells kegs this weekend to ask students buying kegs how they feel about it.

“Hopefully, I will get some reaction and opinions because I’m afraid many students won’t attend the ordinance forum,” he said, referring to an open forum to be held on campus Wednesday night at 6 p.m. to obtain student input.

Robin Habeger, 1st Ward candidate, said she would support the ordinance under certain conditions.

“I would support the keg ordinance if it is written to support individual’s privacy, but also provides investigative information to law enforcement if it is needed,” she said. “This is a county issue, but I strongly encourage students to get involved to address this issue at the Sept. 28 meeting.”

Daryle Vegge, 3rd Ward candidate, said he would support the keg ordinance as long as it maintained its focus on stopping underage drinkers.

Dan Rice, 1st Ward candidate, said he didn’t think the ordinance would curb underage drinking.

“I can see where they are going with the idea, but I don’t think it will have an impact if it is passed other than when big problems arise and they need to place blame,” he said. “They need to deal with drinking issues in other ways.”