09-26-2007, 09:02 AM
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In Pa., bars fine puking patrons
By: Jane C. Timm
Posted: 9/25/07
Drunken debauchery is costing Pennsylvania college students more than just nasty hangovers the next morning - restaurants and bars have started fining customers who vomit on or destroy property.
Management of El Azteca, a Mexican restaurant and bar near Pennsylvania University, now requires groups of six or more to sign a restrictive contract that lists a credit card number which can be used to pay for any damages incurred by inebriated clientele. For every puking customer, a $50 fine is charged to the credit card.
Patrick Meager of Professor Thom's, a bar in New York's East Village, said that establishments should serve responsibly, which would proactively deal with those problems. "If you're selling Jägermeister shots for a dollar apiece, there's going to be vomit on your floors," Meager said.
The mid-to-late-20s crowd that frequents Professor Thom's helps reduce the number of badly behaved drunks. "I mean we have those experiences - someone passes out on the toilet or throws up in the bathroom, but they're few and far between."
"It's ridiculous. The bars are serving the alcohol that gets the people drunk. They should just stop serving it before they're so drunk they start puking," said Ricky Perlman, an SCPS freshman.
Last year, NYU unveiled a "responsibility campaign" to cut down on underage drinking. Incoming freshmen were required to go through a "Drug and Alcohol Module" online before the school year began. The Module gives tips for safe drinking and uses scenarios to educate students on the dangers of drinking.
Martin Sheehan, a manager at local Village bar Josie Woods, said the idea of fining patrons was "strange." He said a strict ID policy cuts down on the number of belligerent young people.
"Do [vomiting patrons] still happen? Yes," Sheehan said. "If I find people misbehaving, I just say 'this isn't your bar.' But would I fine them? No."
Jane C. Timm is a contributing writer. E-mail her at news@nyunews.com.
© Copyright 2007 Washington Square News
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