11-28-2018, 07:06 PM
(11-28-2018, 03:29 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: First of all, there is no such thing as an "illegal" party...if there was, the people involved would have been arrested and charged, there are illegal activities that take place during the event, and people are charged for them. That does not make the event "illegal", and this framing, frankly, is part of the problem I have with the whole discussion on this issue.
And yes, I am ascribing an attitude to the "whole city" which I see mainly portrayed through facebook comments and letters to the editor which is perhaps, unfair, but I can tell you, as a student, that was the attitude I saw representing the city.
I say that the city is not interested in organizing an event, because they absolutely could do so, but choose not too, as for an event, there are no age restrictions at many events, most of those have a separate place for the serving of alcohol.
No sense of arguing the legality of this.
However, I will say that the event is popular because: 1) you can get shit-faced intoxicated 2) you can be 18 and still drink 3) $20 (or even free) can get you a lot of booze 4) it's a Laurier thing 5) the cops turn a blind eye to drinking on a city owned street.
I think the city knows a sanctioned event would fall flat on its face (in the context of a successful event for Laurier students). They'll limit alcohol to prevent people from getting drunk, they'll refuse to serve under 19 year olds, $20 gets you 2 drinks -- if you're lucky, and it would be inclusive, which means rift-raft from everywhere would be interested in attending, including 30-50 year old creepers gawking at the young females and if you step out of line, the cops will haul your sorry ass to the drunk tank in DT Kitchener, along with a knuckle sandwich as a parting gift from the rookie officer.