Broward County commissioners on Tuesday passed a new ordinance that would not allow anyone under 21 in any bars or nightclubs that serve liquor. Currently, many bars & nightclubs allow those over 18 in the door..but do not allow them to consume alcohol. The new ordinance is in support to crack down on underage drinking and supporters hope it will help. I'm not really sure that this is the main reason for underage drinking. When 18-20 year olds want to drink...they'll find a way. Placing this restriction might end up hurting the businesses that rely on the age demographic.

I know that most of these places do watch for underage drinkers and they have developed some methods to identify those over 21 (wristbands for example). Another point is that cities in Broward do not have to follow the 'new rule'. They can choose to stick to the old rule as long as they don't allow under-age drinking. Many cities with a heavy bar/nightclub business base feel that they can control the issue on their own and don't need an ordinance.

Currently only Sunrise and Ft. Lauderdale follow the 'nobody under 21' rule. Violation of the ordinance is jail time (60 days) or a hefty fine ($600). The exceptions to the rule are those serving in the Military (they can get in...but can't drink)...and restaurants that serve alcohol.