By
The Wildcat Opinions Board
Friday night. Free cover. Free drinks.
Sound too good to be true?
ASUA Sen. Rebecca Broky has proposed a plan that will give designated drivers free cover and free sodas at local bars.
Finally, a program that rewards students for doing the right thing.
Friday, April 27 will serve as test-pilot for a program that could be expanded to full-time if successful. Broky's program would give students a safe and cheap option for Friday-night fun.
ASUA will be present at a host of local bars to provide special wristbands to designated drivers. Gentle Ben's, Frog 'N Firkin, Bliss and Dirtbag's have agreed to participate.
These drivers will not be charged for cover and will be given free soda in the bars, but they will not be allowed to purchase alcohol.
Broky's program essentially publicizes that designated drivers are critical - their commitment to staying sober is what keeps so many partygoers safe. April 27 will be a nice way for designated drivers to save a few bucks and keep the streets safe.
One problem plagues Broky's program - it can be easily abused.
Students could buy a band, get free cover, rip it off and enjoy a few drinks. Rather than a simple bracelet, bars should take a student's ID at the door as collateral. Bouncers would then return licenses to students who were not intoxicated.
Other options currently exist for students who would like to have a few drinks on the weekends. Designated Drivers of Tucson drives students home free of charge after a night of drinking.
If Broky's April 27 event is successful, perhaps ASUA can launch such a service that works with other Tucson groups with the similar goal of rewarding designated drivers and encouraging safe partying.
