Footloose in Lincoln

Lincoln might lower dancing age
By Caitlin Kern/World-Herald Bureau

LINCOLN — Alcohol, loud music, adults and dancing.

Now throw your teenage daughter into that mix.

City officials are considering allowing 18-year-olds to attend public dances in taverns and clubs where alcohol is sold. Currently, you have to be at least 19.

Police Chief Tom Casady would just as soon keep things the way they are. His officers issued nearly 2,000 tickets last year for alcohol-related violations involving minors.

“If parents knew what I knew, they would just cringe at the thought of a 25-year-old man grinding with their (teenage) daughter” on the dance floor, Casady said.

Lincoln venues that want to hold similar events have gained a sympathetic ear from City Council Chairman Doug Emery, who said it wasn't all that long ago that his 26-year-old son was a music-crazy teenager.

Emery is seeking the amendment to allow 18-year-olds into bars for music shows after 9 p.m. He says that would allow most college freshmen to enjoy the downtown music scene with their friends.

“Most 18-year-olds are living on campus, they've accepted a certain amount of responsibility. We need to allow them the ability to be responsible,” he said.

A 1930s dance ordinance bars those under age 19 from attending dances at restaurants, taverns and private clubs where alcohol is sold.

Wow, I didn't know the town from 'Footloose' actually exists and its a place near and dear to my heart, Lincoln, Nebraska. You have to be 19 to get grinded on by old dudes in Nebraska? That's ridiculous. Every 18-year-old American girl should have the right to head down to the local tavern, listen to the indie rock show, grind on a drunk 27-year-old dude and go home with him. I'm not sure I want to live in an America where they have to wait an extra year for the opportunity. I'd like to see Bo Pelini and the rest of the Husker program throw their support behind repealing this law.

P.S. - I really love the photo the Omaha World Herald used for this story. I guess they were trying to show Lincoln parents the type of dude who may be grinding their daughters.