Underage Drinking Pressure: How Our Social Environment Influences Students – Insights from The Tiger

Last Saturday, downtown Clemson was buzzing with students dressed as bananas. This lively scene was part of the Banana Bar Crawl, an event that’s become quite popular.

The Banana Bar Crawl started in Canada, created by a marketing agency called MOSEA. It gained traction after a viral TikTok and now has partnered with brands like Happy Dad and Barstool Sports. Participants buy tickets, don banana costumes, and then hit the town at a set time.

With so many students out and about, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division decided to step in. They issued citations for underage drinking to several students dressed as bananas. This raises a question about the effectiveness of their efforts to curb underage drinking in the area.

Clemson’s lack of safe, fun spaces for students to gather contributes to the problem. With the student union closed, options for socializing are limited. Sure, you can go out to eat or chill with friends at home, but that doesn’t help those looking to meet new people.

Joining a club sounds like a good idea, but how many actually host events on weekends? This creates a dilemma for underage students: what can they do besides eat or hang out in dorms?

Clemson lacks engaging activities like bowling, mini golf, or arcades, which could provide alternatives to drinking. Most of these fun spots are outside of the city limits and require a car, while bars are conveniently within walking distance for students.

This shortage of activities that cater to young people makes it easy for underage students to feel pressured into drinking. When law enforcement responds with stricter measures, it often catches those who are simply trying to socialize in a town that doesn’t offer them many options.

In the end, it’s vital for the community to consider ways to provide more engaging and safe environments for all students, giving them alternatives to drinking and helping them to build social connections.

Jack Kinder is a junior sociology major from Ocala, Florida. Jack can be reached at [email protected].