Lawrence bars will require two forms of ID Wednesday night
- Oct. 30, 2012
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When you’re putting on a costume tonight, grab an extra form of identification.
Halloween is a night for students to dress up as something else, but some bars may ask disguised partygoers for a second form of ID to make sure students are legal.
Tyler Bierwirth/KANSAN
University of Kansas graduates Aly Nohr of Wichita and Brett Richardson of Mulvane leave Brothers Bar on Oct. 30 after watching the Jayhawks defeat Emporia State.
“If they have face paint or fake moustaches and things like that on, we usually ask for a second ID,” said Jay Rhodes, the manager at Brother’s Bar and Grill, 1105 Massachusetts St.
A second ID is anything the bar can match your name and picture to, like a student ID or a debit card.
Rhodes said he expects lots of dressed up patrons because they are hosting a costume party.
“If you’re wearing a mask, you’re going to have to take it off at the door,” Rhodes said. “Most people are pretty patient, because obviously if you don’t do it, you’re not getting in.”
Other bars, like the Jayhawk Café, 1340 Ohio St., are also planning on taking extra precautions tonight. It’s a normal dollar night, and Aaron Kaufman, a manager, said he expects it to be one-in, one-out.
“Sometimes it’s hard with makeup,” Kaufman said. “Sometimes there’s not a lot we can do, but we can ask for a second form if we need to.”
Both Kaufman and Rhodes said the crowds are usually kept under control, but employees will be watching for any signs of aggression.
Shawn Pieschl, a junior from Stilwell, works the door at a Lawrence bar and remembers identifying people in costume last year.
“It’s probably easier to sneak in if you are in costume, but there are certain features you can’t change,” Pieschl said. “A lot of time people use similar faces, but the height and weight will be completely off or the eyebrow shape is different.”
Pieschl said he didn’t remember any fights last year but cautioned women to be careful.
“Don’t get obliterated, and just pay attention,” Pieschl said. “I remember there being a lot of creepers, and everyone will be in disguise, so it’s hard to tell who is who.”
The Lawrence Police Department does not have any special patrols planned, but Trent McKinley, an LPD spokesman, said officers will be encouraged to spend more time in the streets.
“People really need to be careful driving,” McKinley said. “You always need a designated driver, but with there being more people out in the streets and with everybody dressed in dark clothing, it really does produce a great danger.”
And while it’s important to remember that second ID, McKinley said it’s most important to remember your common sense.
“People need to remember not to drive with costumes on. You can’t see as well,” McKinley said. “If you’re walking, take extra time to look. Really, just common sense kind of things.”
