Excise police officers cited 18 Ball State University students Thursday night at the Madhatter.
Officers investigated a complaint of underage drinking at the bar, where they issued 33 tickets to the 18 minors. According to a press release, excise officers made 14 citations for minor possession and consumption of alcohol, 15 citations for minor in a tavern and four for possession of a false ID. Two students were incarcerated while the majority of the students were issued citations and then released.
Chief excise officer Brian Lang said about 15 excise officers and a few University Police officers surrounded the bar. Excise received an anonymous tip that underage drinking was happening at the bar.
He estimated more than 300 people there when the police arrived. The students who were ticketed face up to a $500 fine for minor consumption, which is a Class C misdemeanor. They could serve up to 60 days in jail, which is up to the judge's discretion. As for the Madhatter, Lang said a report will be filed to the Alcohol and Tobacco Coalition from his office, where a prosecutor can dismiss the citation or recommend anything from a fine to liquor license revocation.
"We were fortunate that nothing signifiant happened with such a large crowd," Lang said. "When you get a large crowd like that, it is very hard to control what goes on in that environment."
The Madhatter has been having 18 and older nights for the past few weeks on Thursdays.
"I've been going for the past month or so, and now it's the thing to do on Thursday nights," sophomore construction management major Ray Sexton said.
Owner Myles Ogea didn't immediately return phone calls. The bar was cited for allowing minors to loiter and could potentially face penalties from the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. University Police and Muncie Police assisted excise.
Check back with bsudailynews.com for more on this story.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
