Believe it or not, students enrolled at Ohio University are Athens residents too.
Shocking, right? We understand your confusion. Considering city council would be ecstatic if everyone on Mill Street moved out tomorrow, that fact could be easy to forget.
Right now, council is working on an ordinance to ban unnecessary noise in Athens. In its draft form, the ordinance specifically outlaws live bands and DJs using amplified noise in residential areas without city permission. Violation of the law would result in a fine of between $100 and $1,000.
If students let this go into effect, it means the street fests next quarter will be wildly different from what we have seen in the past.
Last year's Palmerfest spiraled into an embarrassing near riot
one that we recognize students were largely responsible for. But banning unapproved noise is not a solution; it's a ridiculous law intended to restrict freedoms. Without live music, these events offer little else beyond drinking.
By possibly banning amplified sound, council is overreacting to Palmerfest. At this point, it might as well limit parties to ten students. Otherwise, it could grow out of control, and we would not want that.
Logistically speaking, the ordinance will not work in practice. The flaws are so large you could drive a fire truck through them.
Even if Athens Police had enough officers to effectively respond to any noise complaint, it would not be an efficient use of the department's limited manpower. And does council actually believe shutting down bands playing for drunken students will stop a riot?
We cannot say we are surprised to see council members once again producing the wrong answer to a problem that does not even exist. When given a chance to posture for voters, they take it. Students should remind council members that they represent all of us, not just those who live here year round.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors. 4
Opinion
Ban on live music in Athens would heavily restrict rights of students
