Privatization has created problems at venue

I would like to thank Barbara Sprechman for her letter in the June 21 issue of the Suburban ("Underage Drinking at Arts Center a Dangerous Situation"). While 20-year-olds were complaining, "The adults are ruining this for us," and complaining about the tough police actions, they are the ones who actually ruined a fun night out for themselves.

Although this may seem like the typical lecture, "When I was your age," here it goes, anyway. Back in the 1970s - when the legal drinking age was 18 - I'll admit I was in heaven when I was able to legally go out to clubs immediately following my senior prom. However, my friends and I were responsible! Although there were times when some of my friends and I "overdid it" during various concerts, we had to suffer the consequences afterward by risking getting into trouble and feeling very sick afterward. We didn't blame any adults or police who were just doing their job, we weren't stupid enough to behave to the point of being arrested, and we luckily didn't end up in the hospital or, even worse, dead from alcohol poisoning.

A long time ago, when the PNC used to be the wonderful Garden State Arts Center, one would never hear of any problems during a concert there. The Garden State Arts Center used to be a nice, fun, safe, and worry-free place to go see a performance. Like these days, concert-goers back then arrived early to tailgate, but without any problems. Why? Because the tailgaters were responsible young adults!

What also kept things calm was that the Garden State Arts Center was careful in booking the types of bands performing there, they didn't serve alcohol - as does the PNC, all for the almighty dollar - their concert prices were reasonable, and those who purchased lawn seating were able to bring their own chairs and blankets, without having to rent.

If the PNC Bank Arts Center truly cares about their reputation and the welfare of the concert-goers, they will learn from the number of problems that have occurred during concerts since it was privatized (thanks a lot, Christie), and take more precautions as suggested from several people in the June 13 opinion column to restore the long-overdue dignity of this historical concert amphitheater.

Don't think you young adults are off the hook, either. Be grateful for the good life that your parents (you know - the "adults") have given you, stop your "boo-hoo" whining, suck it up, and grow up, before you end up like some of the young adults that I used to hang out with!

Debbie Long

Matawan