Landshark now open to 18-and-up crowd
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For the past three weeks, a younger group of patrons have been flocking to The Landshark, 101 E. Grand River Ave.
The bar and grill adopted a new policy three weeks ago allowing people 18 and up to attend nonalcoholic events at the bar and grill on Wednesday nights.
General manager Aaron Breidenbach said while the restaurant has not been at full capacity, the dance floor and most of the tables have been filled each Wednesday night. The emphasis of the night is to involve more students and is against underage drinking, Breidenbach said.
“I’ve been brainstorming this idea, and it goes back to ‘How can we cater a fun, safe event for everyone? ’” he said.
Breidenbach said no alcohol is served in the venue throughout the night, even for patrons of legal drinking age.
The East Lansing Police Department has been told of the event weekly, Capt. Kim Johnson said.
“Right now, they’re following all the laws,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he does not anticipate any problems with underage drinking if no alcohol is served at the premises.
In March 2010, The Landshark was cited by East Lansing Police for serving alcohol to minors who had gained entry to the restaurant through the back door, according to the department’s 2010 Annual Liquor License Report.
East Lansing City Council approved a transfer of ownership of the bar in December 2010 and since then, the location has had no further liquor license violations on record, according to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Breidenbach said so far, the restaurant has had no issues with underage drinking Wednesday nights or in recent months.
“We have been very thorough for the crowd that comes through our door,” he said.
English sophomore Elle Cannon said she has not been to The Landshark’s 18-and-up event yet, but plans to go soon.
“We always talk about how we wish there was an 18-and-up bar.,” she said. “Even my roommates are like, ‘We want to go soon.’”
Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., allows patrons 18 and up in the bar on a daily basis, said Craig Doepker, a bartender and manager at the bar.
The mixed ages of patrons hasn’t created problems recently, Doepker said.
“For the most part, people understand and the kids don’t try to sneak around the drinks,” he said.
Staff writer Lauren Gibbons contributed to this report.
