Police chief bashes bar events for teens

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Old Orchard Beach’s police chief wants to stop a local bar from holding alcohol- and drug-free events for teen-agers.

The Pier Patio Pub holds weekly chemical-free dances, but Chief Dana Kelley maintains a bar is not an appropriate place for teen-agers.

“A school or a hall is a much more conducive atmosphere for our kids, not a barroom where they can emulate the behavior of people who drink,” Kelley said.

He also wants the Town Council members to adopt regulations that would prevent alcohol-free events in bars or bar-type establishments.

Kelley’s crusade comes at a time when chemical-free nights are growing in popularity in the state, particularly in Portland, where several bars have started such evenings in recent weeks.

Sponsors of the events say they provide a safe alternative to the street, and offer entertainment instead of alcohol.

But Kelley said he’s afraid teen-agers partying in a bar, surrounded by signs advertising beer and alcohol, could encourage underage drinking.