By Noah Allison–
On Sept. 15, the day of the Western Kentucky University vs. University of Kentucky football game, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control conducted a Targeted Enforcement Detail in areas close to Commonwealth Stadium.
As a result of their investigation, the ABC distributed 66 alcohol-related citations in areas of tailgating. 61 of the citations were for minors in possession of alcoholic beverages. The other five included one unlawful transaction with a minor, a case of someone representing as his or her own another operator’s license and three for assisting a minor in purchasing alcoholic beverages.
The ABC aimed to take down all unlawful uses of alcohol at the University of Kentucky’s tailgating area. In a culture where college sports contribute to the sale of alcohol, law enforcement has to work harder to prevent youth access to alcohol. The ABC is there to take care of this so that local law enforcement can still concentrate on issues, like traffic and parking, that surround the games.
“Personally, for myself and my friends, we are more interested in the game itself than to drink before hand. Alcohol is definitely common at the games, and the fans’ use of it is just a part of football. I don’t think it has been too much of an issue at U of L games though,” freshman Angelo Jones said.
The University of Kentucky is paying more notice to the tailgating conduct of fans at the football games.
Recently, a fight was recorded on tape occurring outside of Commonwealth Stadium preceding a UK game, which led to UK’s announcement that they will tighten security at tailgating events for UK games in the future.
While ABC sought to crack down on alcohol’s presence at the UK tailgates, it remains to be seen if it will be necessary to do the same at the University of Louisville, where alcohol is served at many sporting events.
