First things first: We agree the consequences of binge drinking are ugly. And we applaud those who work to raise awareness of these dangers.

But there is such a thing as a step too far even for this good cause. The recent noise made last week about extending the drink special bans is such a move.

A brief overview: Last March, the Ames City Council passed an ordinance banning all-you-can-drink buffets at the bars, which included such deals as Ladies Night at Big Shots. At that time, an attempt was made to add 2-fers, 3-fers and coin-for-a-drink specials to the proposal, but the council wisely decided to limit its legislation.

Seven months later, the ban has had little noticeable effect — not that there was much effort in keeping track of the ban’s effect — and now the Story County Prevention Center wants to add penny pitchers and quarter drinks to the ordinance.

The problem with this should be immediately obvious: there is an endless number of variations to these drink specials. A month from now, will there be a proposal to ax dime draws? And a month after that, two-cent pitchers? Is this an efficient way for the council to run, by passing one useless law after another?

So maybe the ultimate solution is to ban all drink specials. But such a regulation is so ridiculously heavy-handed that it is far better to just stop with the legislating now.

First of all, there are the bar owners’ rights to consider. The more bans passed, the more the city infringes on these business owners’ right to set their own prices. This is especially unfair if other liquor-selling establishments are exempt.

And then there are the students. It is unfortunate not every student has the sense to drink responsibly or the wisdom to understand the consequences of alcohol abuse.

But that is the drawback of living in a free society. The correct method of deterrence is to punish the abusers — not everyone else. Or to promote non-alcohol entertainment choices.

The important thing is to not take away students’ rights.

So, assuming that the discussed addition to the current ban will take us down a slippery slope of babying adult students and bar owners, we believe that the council should shoot down this addition and any others. Especially if no effort is made to actually research what effect this has on binge drinking at Iowa State.

But we’re happy the issue is being brought up now, before the Nov. 4 council elections, forcing candidates to take a stand.

Take note then, of which candidates respect students’ freedoms, and which candidates do not.