OP-ED Implications of underage drinking

Author: Flint Reilly

I am writing to express my sincere thoughts about an unavoidable topic for our community. Underage drinking is absolutely against the law. Our community is lucky to have fine establishments like Two Brother's Tavern, Mister Ups, Doria's and Fire & Ice. The owners and employees have invested their lives in providing lively atmospheres for food, drink and fun.

However, we must not abuse these privileges. Underage drinking is illegal, irresponsible and intolerable. We can only enjoy these wonderful places if we respect them and their rules. At no point should an underage person attempt to consume alcohol at these establishments. Have fun with friends, but follow the rules. Underage drinking brings severe consequences. Not only will there be trouble for that person, but owners, employees, and even their families will also feel the detrimental effects of one irresponsible individual's actions. Lost liquor licenses, the firing of employees, and the loss of jobs could very quickly ruin the lives of these employees and their families. Try explaining to 50 workers that they are out of work because a twenty year old wanted to drink.

This is too dire a situation to be brushed off. As college students we have a responsibility to the town of Middlebury to uphold the laws that govern the drinking age. In becoming a member of Middlebury College, each of us has joined the town of Middlebury. We owe this town, its business owners, and its residents the respect that they deserve. Many other people live and work in the town, and they enjoyed these establishments long before we came around and will continue to do so long after we are gone. Don't be the person responsible for the closure of a town landmark.

Underage drinking is a very serious issue with potentially devastating consequences for a lot of people. I understand that many students don't realize the magnitude of the problem, but take this as your official warning. Middlebury is a great place to go to school but imagine if there was one less place you could go out to get cheese steak, watch a game, and play trivia with friends over a few beers. These are privileges worth waiting for. Don't be the one who ruins it for the rest of the community. The livelihood of great hardworking people is not something to be taken lightly; it is serious and very real. I beg all of you to take this seriously and remember how many people you are affecting with your choices.