Underage Drinking Today

ATLANTA, Ga. - Underage drinking isn’t exactly something new, but it’s an issue that is still very prevalent and needs more attention.

“I was terrified when I seen those lights in my mirror. I was so drunk; the thought of running even crossed my mind for a minute. Isn’t that crazy,” 20 year-old college student Lola Wynn said. “I knew I shouldn’t have driven, but at that time, I honestly thought that I was fine.”

2007 Statistics of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services say that almost 10 percent of 12 year olds admitted to having at least once drink. By age 13, that number is almost doubled. And by age 15, approximately 50 percent have had at least one drink.

Even worse statistics, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2007, about 33 percent of the 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. had been drinking, a number that is continuing to increase every year.

“My 13-year-old has never even seen a wine bottle at home,” Sharon Scruggs, mother of three said. “I’m sure at school she has friends who’ve drank, but it’s not accessible to her at home.”

Although most kids probably don’t drink for the first time in their homes, it still happens. Rather it’s out at a friend’s house or a hang out spot, accessing it is quite easy to under-agers, according to Wynn.

“My first time was at my best friend’s house when I was freshman in high school. She supplied it. She was one of those types of parents’ whose philosophy was ‘I’d rather you do it here with me then outside of my house,'” Wynn said. “But I think that can be detrimental to a child’s future.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, research conducted in 2008 indicate that drinking patterns that began at a young age are likely to continue throughout adulthood. Teens are also very vulnerable to alcohol-induced brain damage. This can lead to cognitive destruction, as well as creating the potential problem of a future habit.

"Getting a DUI at 20 was really an eye opening experience. I lost my job, I almost killed myself, and I dropped classes to be able to work more so that I could pay it off. Very expensive," Wynn said.

Underage drinking isn’t only a problem just happening on college campuses or during house parties. Venues that serve alcohol are dropping the ball in this area as well. For instance. Club Oz in Ann Arbor had to shut its doors back in 2008 due to losing its liquor license.

“I started promoting parties for a 21 and up event in downtown Detroit when I turned 19,” party-promoter Samira Montloius said. “Of course I drank there. My friends who were underage were able to drink too. All we had to do was take them to the bathroom and bring the shots in there.”

The fact that a person can serve liquor, but cannot legally consume it may seem a little contradictory. According to Michigan.gov, the Michigan liquor law license states “do not allow a person who is less than 18 years of age to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.”

“There also isn’t any penalties for minors who attempt to buy alcohol, but there is for the bartender or the club owner," Montloius said. "This is how a lot of places lose their license in the first place.”

(Below is a slide show featuring Lola Wynn)

Reflection of Blogging

ROMULUS, Mich. - Now that my week of blogging is over, this gives me the chance to reflect on my experience.

The hardest part was finding things that were worthy of a story. Even though it's suppose to be dedicated to nightlife and promoting clubs and other venues, I wanted to talk about issues. The new smoking ban is something important that people need to know about, so I found it necessary to include a more formal story.

The easiest part was including the pictures for the story. Every picture that I used is either something that I'm in, I took or got permission from the owner. No copyright violations where broken.

If I had to do anything different, I probably would have picked a completely different topic, or choose something that didn't require me having to interview people. I felt rushed and too busy, but the pressure of the deadlines motivated me.

I would also give myself more time and actually put time into thinking about what I would blog about in order to keep my viewers/subscribers interested.

This assignment reminds me of a book that a journalism professor recommended me to read. "Writing to Learn" is a book about writing, and obtaining knowledge during your research. I learned something new with each blog post, rather it was reading all the minuet details of the new smoking ban, or experiencing Fountain Walk on a Tuesday night.

Promoters Take Over

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - In this new day and age, social media and party promoters are working in the best interest of clubs, bars, lounges and many other venues.

Log on to your Facebook, Myspace, or whatever other social website that you are using these days and you will find party flyers flooding your inbox.

It's how college-age kids are making money these days. And different venues, from restaurants to bars to night clubs, are loving the new trend.

Every venue is different, though, in terms of how they are making money from these events. Some owners work out deals with the promoters, such as one party receives all the profit from the bar, and the other from the door. Others split everything 50/50.

Eastern Michigan University graduate and ex-party promoter, Melvin Moon, says that he made large enough profits to live off of very comfortably, thanks to a venue that gave them a re-occuring Friday night slot.

"Papi O's Nightclub (in Ypsilanti) was very successful for almost two years. In our second year of promoting, we grossed about $120,000. Split between three people, I think we did pretty well."

Other unlikely venues, such as downtown Detroit's iconic mansion turned restaurant, The Whitney, as well as lounges in the Fisher Building, have also become popular hot spots for college promoters.

(Flyer created by Jonh Neely)

Bye, Bye Cancer Sticks

CANTON, Mich. - In 14 days, bars and the majority of businesses in Michigan will be kicking the habit, "cold turkey."

At 6 a.m. May 1, Michigan’s Smoke Free Air Law officialy goes into affect. This will prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public areas, such as restaurants, bars, hotels or any other place that serves food or beverages.

Not only does this rule apply to outdoor restaurants, cafe's, ect., it also applies to some casinos and cigar bars.

In December of last year, the govenor officially signed the legislation making the state of Michigan smoke free.

"I think it sucks," said Alexis Stanton, a 23-year-old healthcare worker and smoker of more than 10 years. "My job won't even allow us to smoke outside on the property when this passes, so I'll have to walk all the way to my car."

According to Michigan.gov, the law was passed to "preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of the state by limiting exposure to secondhand smoke."

If a citizen breaks this law, he or she is to be reported to a manager or owner of the facility, in which they will be asked to put it out. There are no penalties set for individuals who violate the ban, as they will be posted at a later date.

(Photo- a woman (me) in the car smoking, taken by Sophia Tesfaye)

Night at Fountain Walk

NOVI, Mich. - Tuesday night, Fountain Walk in Novi seemed to be the place to be. With plenty of shops, restaurants and other exciting things to do, there was something for everyone.

Rojo Mexican Bistro is notorious for it's Tuesday night specials that include $1 tacos and a happy hour that keeps its customers happy for three hours. With an option of lobster fajitas or guacomole prepared tableside, Rojo is sure to have something that you like.



Bar Louie is another popular venue amongst the crowd.

"We come here often," 35 year-old LaJosa L. said. "But tonight, it's my birthday so it's a celebration!"



With a menu specializing in "over sized sandwiches and artfully concocted signature cocktails", Bar Louie is the perfect place to wine and dine with friends.

Other entertainment includes Dick's Sporting Good, Lucky Strike, Emagine Movie Theatre, and much more.

Check my Twitter updates for more details of last night!

(Photo 1- Man preparing guacamole table side, taken by Miah / Photo 2 - Appletini cocktail, taken by Miah)