The Responsible Hospitality Council’s efforts to curb binge drinking in East Lansing are likely well-intentioned, but sadly, they are quite misdirected.

As a college town, East Lansing is populated by a large number of citizens who routinely enjoy consuming alcohol.

While not a hard and fast rule, it is generally common knowledge that college students are heavier drinkers than average citizens and establishments that serve alcohol fare better in college towns as a result.

The problem that the hospitality council members see is not an illegitimate concern, though. There are many drinkers in East Lansing - student, visitor and permanent residents alike - who might, on occasion, take things a bit too far.

But the council’s solution to put more limitations on things such as seating and expansions for alcohol-serving establishments will not correct the problem.

The council’s efforts are directed to slow the flow of alcohol in the city at what seems to be the source, which will not work. If people want to drink in large amounts, they will find a way to do it - whether in a restaurant, a bar or their homes.

One can easily wonder if the council plans on expanding its efforts to liquor stores, grocery stores and supermarkets as well, if they really want to attack drinking. For their work to have any real impact, it would have to.

The motives of the council is also a concern. It seems the proposals would make it harder for new businesses to acquire a liquor license in the city - an issue that some council members have a vested interest in as they are the owners of area restaurants and bars. Some might see their proposed solutions to curb binge drinking as protecting their own interests against possible competition.

The council is either ignoring or forgetting a basic rule of business - to satisfy supply and demand.

The demand in East Lansing is for expanded, new restaurants and bars. Long lines outside many of the city’s watering holes are nightly testaments to that.

Despite the Responsible Hospitality Council’s concerns, local businesses are being as responsible as they can regarding the serving of alcohol, and what their patrons choose to do with themselves after leaving the premises of their favorite bar should not be the responsibility of the establishment.

Restraining or punishing area taverns will do nothing to prevent the number of dangerously drunk people in the city, it will only keep them tightly packed together.

While it’s great that local business owners want to help bring binge drinking under control in the city, they are not going about it the right way.

It’s a great to see residents looking out for one another.

But the hospitality council should focus its efforts more on encouraging the responsible drinking and serving of alcohol and not ways to harm the growth of local business.