Getting into clubs has long since been a problem for Austin youth. State and federal liquor laws have kept many teenagers from seeing their favorite bands.
On Aug. 20, at a show by English Reggae band UB40, federal agents were on a routine inspection of the Nightlife, a local night spot. Three minors who entered the club with fake I.D.’s, were arrested. This sparked a series of events. Some clubs made more stringent rules for minors; but others, such as the Nightlife, looked for a solution.
“We thought of times when we were young and couldn’t get into places. We just felt it was unfair, so we did what we could under the law to let them in,” stated Joseph Gonzales. Gonzales is the former co-owner of Raul’s; he now books hardcore shows at the Nightlife.
The club had been experimenting with doing an earlier non-alcoholic show for minors and then an over 19 show. The first Sunday show was successful, but adult attendance at early shows was declining.
“They thought we were trying to divide the scene, but we were just trying to abide by the law,” said Gonzales.
Since August 28, the Nightlife has been trying something new. The upstairs part with the small stage and bar has been blocked off from the rest of the club; this area is for those over 19 only. The rest of the club, which contains the large stage, has been open to minors. No alcohol is allowed in this area; even members of the bands performing cannot drink.
Bands such as the Big Boys and the Dicks have been a driving force behind many of the shows.
“It has always been pro-minor from the very beginning,” said Randy Turner of the Big Boys;
“We’ve done minor matinees on Sundays which we planned and staged ourselves. We’ve searched out clubs where minors could get in; that’s always been a major point.” They and other such bands have been Mr. Biscuit and Tim Kerr of the Big Boys perform at Nightlife, one of the few clubs that allows teens on special nights.
Known to play places such as the Skyliner, Studio 29 and the Ritz where minors are usually allowed. So far, all of the minors’ shows at the Nightlife have been punk. Turner attributes this to the large minor following that many punk bands have “Something there is a large, large percentage of minors at shows; many times it runs about 50/50,” Turner said. If there is enough demand for it, the Nightlife will open other types of shows to those under 19.
While the Nightlife has never had its liquor license suspended, other clubs have.
According to Willie Pribble of the Federal Alcohol and Beverage Commission, a club can have its liquor license suspended for up to 60 days for minor related offenses. In August, 321 were caught in Austin. Those who are caught are usually “filed on” and possibly given a fine of up to $200. Repeated offenses can reach penalties as high as $500.
Rules vary from place to place. Bars on Sixth Street seem to have stricter rules toward minors, probably from regular visits from the FABC. FABC agents inspect different clubs and bars seven nights a week. Larger concert venues such as the Austin Opry House and the Meadows do serve alcohol, but not before I.D.’s are shown.
Over all, the new format at the Nightlife has been successful. In three Sunday shows, only two complaints have been registered.
Austin youth are now getting more and more chances to see live music. Some places such as The Party are now doing minor matinee shows on Sundays. It seems that many clubs are just beginning to find out that young people like to see live music, too and they have plenty of money to spend on it.
Senior Dennis Swaim summed it up best “These days it’s a younger audience going to see bands and the clubs that don’t allow minors are living in the past.”