Horses, guns, people running and screaming…sounds like a scene from a western film; however, it’s most often what you see on Sunday nights in Downtown Minneapolis. Who is the blame for the chaos, rowdy crowds, and violence? Is it the fault of party promoters, club owners, security, police or the under age partygoers? In typical Minneapolis fashion the police have enforced rules on the warehouse district clubs hoping to decrease the violence on the ever popular Sunday Club night. In the first 6 months of this year there were 217 violent incidents including one homicide in the heavily populated entertainment area. Counsel Members have has spoken with club owners who’ve agreed to apply a more strict set of rules to the all-age party nights. Rules included but aren’t limited to uniformed security, off duty police officers and instituting an 86 list (do not admit list). Many license holders have agreed to discontinue 18+ events, introducing wristbands for people under 21, and completing background checks on staff members. Although, these changes are being made as a result of violence and to promote safety, Minneapolis Police must take an in-depth look at how they add to the wayward behavior and confusion. Closing off streets preventing immediate exit from the downtown area, flooding the streets with stadium lights and armed with a reaction only mentality, the police just may be adding to the problem. Police have already increased street patrol and enlisted the help of Hennepin County deputies, Metro Transit police and added mobile camera’s to capture crime as it takes place; however, this has not decreased the crime rate in the warehouse district. A reaction based solution isn’t always the answer. As we attempt to bring safety to our Sunday nights what have we must find something for the under 21 crowd to do for entertainment. We can not continue to push our youth out and expect them to find constructive entertainment; we are responsible for showing them the right way. In the mean time a few young disorderly patrons ruin income for club owners, prevent promoters from hosting under age events and take away the experience of those who are handling themselves responsibly. ~Alysha “AP” Price