As you might have heard, the mayor, as he campaigns for reelection on October 4, is lobbying the state in an attempt to make all-ages shows illegal in venues that sell alcohol, arguing that the under-21/over-21 combination is trouble. The catch here is that this change in policy wouldn't apply to the Isotopes ballpark or Journal Pavilion—places where less than 50 percent of revenue comes from alcohol sales; yet through a variety of loopholes, minors can score crappy, overpriced beer. The policy would instead apply to the Launchpad, host to many of the best shows in Albuquerque and one of the few places in town where people of all ages can see live music; yet through strict security, partitioning and carding, minors don't have a chance at getting liquored. I find it ironic that Journal Pavilion has received 11 administrative citations for actually selling alcohol to minors in the past two-and-a-half years while the Launchpad has received none. Meanwhile, the Journal is steadily cranking out propaganda that clearly echoes the mayor's feelings on the issue, attacking the Launchpad for something that is obviously a bigger problem at the Journal's namesake venue. Hmmm. … While I've only scratched the surface of this convoluted issue you can read more about it in this week's Newscity article by Christie Chisholm, or read Tim McGivern's blog entries at alibi.com. Also, keep in mind that on Friday, August 26, the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division will hold the only public meeting where you, the fine and caring music fans of Albuquerque, can comment on this issue. It's in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers of the Downtown City/County Building at 9 a.m. We'll see you there.
