The Florida Board of Governors is considering a sobering proposal that would regulate drink specials at bars.
The board met in Tampa at the University of South Florida Wednesday and Thursday.
It addressed the idea of legislation that would give Florida counties the power to regulate gender-specific drink specials, such as ladies nights or specials offering alcohol for lower than wholesale costs.
Board member Ann Duncan noted the controversial nature of the proposal for many university students across the state and said it is meant to stimulate conversation.
“It is a complicated issue,” Duncan said. “It is not one-size-fits-all.”
She said the board wants to explore more opinions from students and businesses it might affect before bringing anything to the Florida Legislature.
Bill Edmonds, the spokesman for the Florida Board of Governors, explained the board’s desire to start a conversation with those who have a stake in the matter.
“They want to talk to retail associations and restaurant associations and get their points of view on this,” he said.
John Barnes, the University of North Florida Student Body President and chair of the Florida Student Association, said the board's decision to move slowly in its negotiations could help make the proposal successful.
Barnes said it was important to include students in the talks.
Nick Hicks, the manager and bartender of Jack’s Bar and Grill, said negotiating with the government about regulating private business can be tricky.
Hicks said he would be OK with regulations if the Florida Board of Governors reaches out to all bar owners and works out a proposal everyone can agree upon.
He said he understands the board hopes to protect students’ safety.
“There’s going to be a lot of give and take on both sides,” Hicks said.
Edmonds said student groups should also be involved in the discussion.
UF journalism senior Morgan Lamborn said it’s nice to have inexpensive nights out, but sometimes people can go overboard.
She said different regulations in different counties may tempt students to cross county lines to find better drink specials.
“I wouldn’t want to see one county decide it’s more conservative than another,” Lamborn said. “That could be dangerous.”
