A Buffalo lawmaker proposed a bill today that would prohibit those under the age of 21 from a business that serves alcohol.
Ellicott District Council Member Darius Pridgen introduced the proposed legislation. He said a number of police reports showed citizens under 21 were being arrested in the downtown entertainment district for public intoxication.
The proposed bill would not allow those under the age of 21 in an establishment that serves alcohol serves after 10 p.m. six nights a week.
Pridgen said there could however be college night on Thursdays for the under-21 crowd.
"Our intention here is not to lock up young people. I don't want to see 19 to 20 year olds being locked up, but I do want to see a safe environment for all residents in the city of Buffalo," said Pridgen.
Pridgen said he is also seeking a boost in police presence Thursday nights and volunteers to help keep underage drinkers out of bars.
"One thing that I am against is blocking off any area of our city. I think people should be able to walk down to any area that they're free to walk down to, but it would be about clubs that have a liquor license, who are serving alcohol not allowing youth under 21 to be in those establishments after 10 p.m.," Pridgen said.
Masten District Common Council Member Demone Smith said he also supports the bill. He said there are plenty of other places for people under 21 to go instead of bars.
A public hearing on the proposal will be held in three weeks.