Police to enforce alcohol laws on game days
COLUMBUS -- In an effort to improve the safety and enjoyment of all who attend Buckeye football games, police will be enforcing state laws related to open containers of alcohol, underage drinking and public decency both on campus and on Lane Avenue.
The move is the result of discussions between Ohio State and City of Columbus officials about the need to reduce the problems associated with the behavior of those who become publicly intoxicated before, during and after football games. In addition, the Task Force on Celebratory Riots, which President Karen A. Holbrook and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman established late last year, identified alcohol as one of the largest contributors to celebratory riots.
Vern Baisden, assistant vice president for public safety, said that, in recent years, the excessive consumption of alcohol on football Saturdays has contributed to an unsafe and sometimes threatening environment for fans and visitors to Columbus.
“While the majority of the over 100,000 people who come to home games conduct themselves with dignity and class, a smaller group consumes excessive amounts of alcohol,” he said. “These individuals then exhibit unruly and potentially dangerous behavior, and become a safety hazard to themselves and to others.”
Baisden said teams of officers will focus on several problem areas where problems have occurred over the last several years: The Northwest/Tuttle Parking Garage, the Northwest Stadium Parking lot and the South Field House Parking Lot. Excessive alcohol consumption in those areas has fueled lewd behavior, public indecency and verbal abuse to others, among other actions, he said.
“Our fans ought to be able to park in those areas without being subjected to this kind of behavior,” Baisden said.
Officers also will monitor the actions of people who are heading toward the stadium from Lane Avenue, where Columbus Police have jurisdiction.
Bill Hall, vice president for student affairs, said enforcing laws will help contribute to an environment that sets a better example for Ohio State students.
“This is one positive step that we can take to change the culture for our students over the long term,” Hall said. “This environment was created over many years, and we expect that it will take several years to change it.
“At the same time, most of our fans are responsible and good sports – as our students are. It is the behavior of the few who are not responsible that we are seeking to change,” he said.
