Arguably one of the finest traditions of The Gator Nation, the relocation of The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party should not be taken lightly.
While the Editorial Board understands Gainesville's desire to crack down on underage drinking, the proposal to eliminate the rite-of-passage jaunt to Jacksonville is not the answer.
We suggest you leave the UF-Georgia game alone and worry about what takes place in our city - not what happens one weekend in October over an hour's drive away.
One reasonable solution to cut down on drinking for students of all ages would be to impose the suggested 5-cent alcohol tax at local bars.
The City of Gainesville could then pat itself on the back for at least appearing to take a stance against underage drinkers while also collecting a pretty penny to pad its budget.
If imposed, such a tax would reap the city monetary benefits at the upwards of $10 million to $12 million per year - not exactly chump change.
The Editorial Board offers our support for the tax, as it would hardly drain the pockets of even UF's biggest drinkers. Not to mention the fact the proposed tax would provide funding for police salaries, DUI prevention and alcohol education.
We may not be good at math, but we are pretty sure a round of five beers at Gator City would only cost a quarter more - one less gumball at the supermarket.
On second thought, do they even make those anymore?
