Keeping on Rocking?

With the DWI Task Force's version of the ban on people under 21 in bars and nightclubs  now in place, no one under the age of 21 is allowed into a bar-legally classified as an establishment that makes more than 60 percent of its gross revenue from alcohol sales-unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. City Attorney Dan Wichmer says when the City of Springfield, Urban Districts Alliance and Hospitality Resource Panel began discussing the subject of minors in bars, their goal was to figure out the best way to define what a bar is-a definition that was eventually piggybacked by the DWI Task Force. But the interpretation inevitably left a handful of loopholes (Wichmer says he's against the term "loopholes") for bar and club owners to interpret, including:

• You can enter a bar under the age of 21 if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are raised by a court-appointed legal guardian, however, you become your own caretaker at age 18.

• Gate receipts are considered revenue not generated by alcohol sales and therefore can be factored into the 60:40 non-alcohol:alcohol sales ratio. Also, Wichmer says the definition of a gate receipt is left ambiguous in the current wording. For example, cover charges at concerts are considered gate receipts.

The new law was certified by the City of Springfield Tuesday, meaning it is now enforceable by local authorities. In six months, the law can be reviewed and amended by City Council, although only by unanimous vote.-C.D.

Yo, bum rush the stage!

The Bar Next Door

Music on: Friday and Saturday nights
Old policy: All-ages shows were sometimes allowed while the kitchen was open (until 11 p.m.)
Any changes? Yes, now 21 and older only.

The Blue Room at Billiards of Springfield

Music on: Any night a show is booked
Old policy: All ages allowed
Any changes? No; it's classified as a restaurant

Bugsy Malone's

Music on: Thursday nights
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes? No

Cartoons Oyster Bar & Grill

Music on: Friday and Saturday
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes? No

Dennis' Place

Music on: Friday and Saturday
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes? No

Ebbets Field

Music on: Sunday through Wednesday
Old policy: Minors were allowed in with wristbands
Any changes: No; it's classified as a restaurant

Harlow's

Music on: Friday and Saturday
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes? No

Nathan P. Murphy's

Music on: Any night a show is booked
Old policy: All ages shows were usually reserved for Friday nights
Any changes? Unconfirmed at press time

The Outland

Music on: Nightly, except Sunday
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes? No

The Outland Ballroom

Music on: Any night a show is booked
Old policy: Earlier all-ages shows, followed by regularly scheduled shows for 21 and older
Any changes? Yes, now 21 and older only

Patton Alley Pub

Music on: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes: No

Remmington's Downtown

Music on: Any night a show is booked
Old policy: All ages
Any changes? No; alcohol sales below requirement

Springfield Brewing Company

Music on: Wednesday through Sunday
Old policy: 21 and older only upstairs
Any changes? No

Trolley's

Music on: Friday and Saturday
Old policy: 21 and older only
Any changes: No

WEB EXTRA

Policies in local dance clubs:

The Boogie

Old policy: 21 and older Wednesday through Saturday
Any changes: No

Ernie Biggs

Old policy: 21 and older Wednesday through Saturday
Any changes: No

Icon Nightclub

Old policy: 18 and older Thursday, 21 and older Friday and Saturday
Any changes: No; alcohol sales below requirement

Jordan Creek

Old policy: 18 and older Thursday and Saturday, 14 and older for High School Night Friday
Any changes: No; alcohol sales below requirement

Latin Vibe

Old policy: 18 and older Thursday through Saturday
Any changes: Yes, 21 and older only

Midnight Rodeo

Old policy: 18 and older Thursday through Saturday
Any changes: Yes, 21 and older only

Rincon Latino Discoteca

Old policy: 18 and older Wednesday through Saturday
Any changes: Yes, 21 and older only

Traffic Downtown Club

Old policy: 18 and older Wednesday through Saturday
Any changes: Yes, 21 and older Wednesday, Friday and Saturday