Combating Underage Drinking at NYC Clubs

MYFOXNY.COM - After the death of a 17-year-old girl who had been at a New York City nightclub, the problem of underage drinking has hit the headlines again. What can be done to prevent underage drinking and keep minors with fake IDs out of clubs?

Many club promoters have turned to Facebook to drum up interest and business for clubs and lounges, especially among the children of the rich. One promoter told Fox 5 News that clubs know that many of those customers are under age.

Paul Seres is the president of the New York Nightlife Association and a former club owner. NYNA represents the most frequented bars, clubs, and lounges in New York City.

Seres was on Monday's Good Day New York and on Fox 5 News at 10 p.m. to talk about the challenges faced by the nightlife industry when it comes to dealing with underage drinkers and fake IDs.

Seres says his organization is trying to get laws changed to force security guards to get additional training. The NYNA and the NYPD teamed up to produce a booklet called the "Best Practices for Nightlife Establishments" to assist nightlife owners in maintaining safe bars, lounges and clubs free from illegal activity including: drug sales, underage drinking, over consumption of alcohol, violence, prostitution and sex offenses.

• DOWNLOAD "BEST PRACTICES FOR NIGHTLIFE ESTABLISHMENTS" (PDF)