Smokey Joe's took every reasonable precaution (and a few unreasonable ones, including videotaping all patrons at the door) to prevent minors from entering the bar. Yet a campaign of harassment by the state police was still followed by a board decision not to renew Smokes liquor license. The LCB is basically punishing Smokes for circumstances it cannot control. Several other near-campus bars have also lost their licenses recently. The result: students will be forced to trek farther West and East in order to wet their collective whistle. As they venture farther West, they increase their risk of being victims of muggings. As they go East they are likely to drive (and drink) or take the subway (which isn't very safe either). We support Smokey Joe's in their appeal. Don't let the Pennstitution die.
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