For some college students, gaining entrance to bars may require more than simply flashing an ID.
Last month's fatal stabbing of a Penn State University student at a local club has prompted the State College, Pa., Police Department to advocate the installation of metal detectors at entrances to area bars and clubs.
And for establishments that have complied, the effects are already noticeable.
Player's Nite Club, an establishment near the Penn State campus, recently began using a metal-detection wand and seized 14 knives during its first weekend with the measure, said Rick Payton, a regional manager for St. Moritz, the club's security service.
State College Police Sgt. Mark Argiro said that such precautions will affect the degree of bar violence rather than its frequency.
"I don't know if [metal detectors] will always have that great of an impact," on violence, he said, adding that the seizure of the weapons reduces the likelihood of knife-related incidents.
But most bars on Penn's campus do not feel that weapons are an issue, considering their usual clientele.
"Penn students don't fight," said Smokey Joe's owner Paul Ryan. "They only fight with their lawyers."
While Ryan said that he is concerned about the safety of his patrons, he added that it is not necessary for most bars and clubs to install metal detectors.
"The day I have to put in a metal detector is the day I'm no longer in the bar business," he said.
Cavanaugh's manager Brian Pawliczek agreed, saying that fights in general are infrequent and fights involving weapons are nonexistent.
"I've never actually thought that any of our customers were in danger," Pawliczek said. "There's just never been a problem with people carrying concealed weapons."
Though establishments near campus have not moved to install metal detectors, venues in downtown Philadelphia have started to use the devices to augment their security.
Michael Dziena, a manager and disc jockey at Lounge 125 in Old City, said that his club began using metal-detection wands at its opening three years ago to ensure the safety of its patrons.
"I definitely think it deters people from trying to pull anything," he said.
Dziena said that the extra security and subsequently longer lines may translate into less business. He added, however, that "most people understand that we're doing it for their protection and put up with it."
Wharton senior Dave Weinstein said that the security is not an inconvenience when used in moderation.
"There's definitely a use for metal detectors, especially around Penn's campus," Weinstein said. "Just as long as it's not done excessively."
Weinstein added that having extra security at local bars could entice more people to go out at night, especially in light of Penn's crime problems last semester.
College senior Danny Aranda agreed that metal detectors can be appropriate, even though they could give a venue a negative stigma.
Philadelphia Police Sgt. Jim Pauley said that violence in city drinking establishments is not a major problem but added that metal detectors are something that police have discussed with local owners.
"We're in favor of any security measure that will help establishments maintain a safe environment," he said.
Installing a walk-through metal detector can cost between $2,400 and $5,000, while a hand-held wand averages around $150, said Michael White, regional director for Security Detection, a company that manufactures the detectors.
