Students bypassing bars
Special to the Kansan
By Jennifer Frost
House parties are popular among many college students, but they can be a problem for apartment managers and police officials.
Students younger than 21 often go to house parties as an alternative to going to bars. Rick Renfro, co-owner of Johnny's Tavern, 401 N. Second St., said that bars were making it harder for minors to get in and, as a result, younger students look for somewhere else to party.
Renfro said that he would like to be able to let students under 21 into his bar but that he couldn't always watch to make sure those students don't drink.
Debbie Horter, Lawrence junior, said she went to house parties because they were cheaper than going to bars.
"Most house parties charge you a few dollars to get in, and you can drink all the beer you want," Horter said. "That beats going to a bar and paying two dollars per drink."
As house parties grow in popularity, so do the complaints.
Lawrence police said they often received complaints about parties on weekends.
"Every party gets a complaint, or two, or three," Officer James Winn said. "Generally, we issue a ticket on the second complaint. Let them tell the judge why they didn't quiet down after the warning."
Some area apartment managers are taking precautions to prevent party-related problems.
Julie Smith, a leasing consultant, said that Lawrence Security Control patrolled the Colony Woods apartment complex.
"If security has a problem they call the Lawrence police," Smith said. "The fact that
the police are there usually takes care of the situation."
Kyle Trial, manager at Orchard Corners apartment complex, said he would call the police if a party got out of control.
"I've tried to handle the situation myself, but the police seem to be more effective," Trial said.
Trial said he didn't mind the parties as long as he knew about them ahead of time. He said that way he could keep an eye on things and make sure no one gets hurt.
"I don't have a problem with the parties until people do something wrong, like climb the fence or get into the pool," Trial said. "The pool scares me. I just don't want anyone to get hurt."
Horter said that she enjoyed having house parties but that she understood how parties could be a problem for apartment managers and the police.
She said once the police had come five times before breaking up one of her parties.
"The police kept giving me a warning until a keg got thrown through a screen," Horter said.
Horter said the police often were more tolerant outside the campus area than they were on campus.
"I've been to parties on campus where the first time the police get a complaint they want everyone to go home," Horter said.
Trial said students could eliminate some of the problems associated with house parties by following a few steps:
Let your manager and neighbors know ahead of time.
If you feel things are getting out of control, call the police.
Keep alcohol away from the pool area.
Clean up afterward.
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