Bill introduced to ban pub crawls in NYC - KMSP-TV

A state lawmaker has introduced a bill that would eliminate the liquor licenses of bars that promote pub crawls in New York City. 

The bill is not trying to outlaw informal get-togethers among friends going out, according to Assemblyman Micah Kellner (D-Manhattan). 

If you are or were in your 20s and hung out in New York City, chances are you've heard of a pub crawl. There's even a web site designated to them. 

Organized drinking events complete with entry fees and sometimes a prize at the event.

Aleck Curtin is a bartender at Rathbones, a popular pub that doesn't promote pub crawls but often gets a lot of people who are attending them. 

"There are some done for charity and I think they're great," says Curtin.  "It's not something we rely on – and we don't.". 

But some bars do rely on them. 

Kellner's bill would allow bars that promote pub craws have their liquor licenses pulled. 

"Organized pub crawls have gotten out of control. They are not only a detriment to the communities in which they occur, but also to those who participant in them. No establishment licensed by the State of New York should be promoting or encouraging binge drinking. My legislation is written to ensure only responsible nightlife prospers in New York City," said Kellner. 

Residents who live along the Upper East Side have mixed feelings on the bill. 

"I think it's a little silly since there is only two or three year," said one resident.  

"There must be some law on the books. To me it's for their own good because it's a really dangerous situation that's happening here," added one elder resident.