Cutting down the number of alcohol related crimes in Madison. That was the motive behind Tuesday night's Common Council meeting as the group voted on an alcohol density plan.
At the meeting, downtown residents explained how alcohol has negatively their quality of living downtown, but those in opposition say an alcohol density plan will make matters worse.
The plan calls to put a stop to any more establishments from getting a liquor license in downtown Madison. This is in hopes of preventing the number of alcohol related crimes from increasing. Police, in attendance, felt if more bars establishments are allowed, there will be more crime.
However, opponents say not allowing new establishments will allow for more underground parties and underage drinking and push alcohol related crimes to the outlying areas that border where the density plan covers.
"Look at the facts that this is going to promote more house parties because students are going to drink whether they are at bars or whether at a house party," says UW Madison sophomore, Stephen Lawrence.
"We need to make a difference in Madison," says plan supported Bert Stitt. "I think it's time we changed the culture of alcohol. We don't need this, vote for this ordinance."
The plan was approved Tuesday night.
Police say this is just the beginning to solving that problem. This plan does not call to lower the number of alcohol licenses already owned.