There's no doubt that the closure of two popular local watering holes, PJ Bottom's and Molly's Pub, has caused quite the stir among a large portion of UB students. The sudden end of Tuesday night karaoke, cheap cup specials, and the disappearance of what was once a drinking institution near campus has left many pondering what exactly they're going to do this weekend.
While it is common knowledge that these bars were attended by a very significant number of underage drinkers, a query proven after the recent raids, students both over and under the age of 21 said that Main Street will be lacking without them.
"I went to Molly's like three or four times a month, but went to PJ's very rarely," said Jillian Burke, a junior political science major. "I like Molly's because it was laid back, everyone could go, and it wasn't like a house party; it was chill. I wouldn't say that they are notorious for letting underage drinkers in, but if you knew people I know it helped."
Burke, who is underage, said that the recent bar closures will drive students to find a new place to congregate, party, and drink. These places include bars in the surrounding area, as well as the Heights and dorms.
"Students will drink more at house parties," she said. "I personally don't go to Elmwood or Hertel because I don't live near there and because I'm not 21."
Anne Chiotti, a senior pharmaceutics and biochemical pharmacology major, agreed that students will by no means discontinue their drinking habits.
"I personally never went to those places because I knew there was a lot of underage drinking, but I think a couple things will happen now," said Chiotti. "People will be drinking more on campus, in dorms and apartments."
Chiotti added that because of the recent crackdowns, other local bars frequented by students would be on the watch for fake identification and underage drinkers.
"I don't think underage people will be going out as much because the policies at the other bars will be that much stricter," she said.
While local bars in the area may certainly make it a point to be careful about who exactly they're letting in, some bartenders in the area said they have been doing this from the start. Ashley Litwin, a graduate law student and bartender at Broadway Joe's on Main Street, said that her bar would continue its strict policy on maintaining the law when it comes to providing alcohol.
"We don't cater to anyone under age," said Litwin.
Broadway Joe's, which frequently hosts live music and bands, does on occasion allow people over the age of eighteen into their location. During these times however, those under the age of 21 are marked on their hands. Bartenders also reserve the right to question anyone requesting alcohol who may look younger than 21.
"People underage do not get drinks here," said Litwin. "We scrutinize pretty well."
Litwin said that the bouncers at the door of Broadway Joe's are prepared to tell the difference between real and fake ID's, but sometimes, as is the case everywhere, are unable to catch everyone.
"If the cops aren't going to catch an ID then neither is the bar," she said.
According to Litwin however, Broadway Joe's has never attracted a similar crowd to that of Molly's and PJ Bottoms, and while the recent closures may affect their business around happy hour, she does not expect it to change significantly during nights and weekends.
"We would like to see our business increase," she said, "but the people that went to those bars are probably looking for a dance party. We're more of a happy hour, live music kind of bar."
Some students who frequented both Molly's and PJ Bottom's agreed with Litwin, stating that other bars on Main Street could not compare, and that the closure of the two bars would have a negative effect on student morale.
"I feel that the majority of people who went to Molly's and PJ Bottom's didn't drive home. Having those bars open kept the community somewhat safer," said Burke. "Breaking up bars and breaking up house parties is not helping the communities and not helping students. Now people have nowhere to go with their friends."
Burke added that shutting down the two businesses would by no means put an end to underage students drinking.
"We have a hard time getting together and having fun. It just makes drinking more unattainable which makes it more desirable," she said. "I think that people are going to drink regardless of whether or not you can get into a bar; this won't stop students from drinking."
