New rules, but same results at arts center
Week one at the new rules PNC Bank Arts Center brought us a disturbing surprise, courtesy of the same people responsible for the ban on alcohol in the Holmdel venue's parking lot. Despite all of the media coverage, all of the signs on the Garden State Parkway and the far larger contingent of state police now patrolling the area, dozens of people still didn't get the message and managed to get charged with underage drinking.

It was one thing when underagers pressed their luck trying to blend in with the thousands of fans legally tailgating before concerts. To try to do that in an environment where it's illegal to drink at all, whether you're 21 or 121, is the height of foolishness.

The feedback of people who went to concerts since the alcohol ban was enacted indicates that things haven't changed much so far. The sheer numbers of people who are still showing up with their portable grills and coolers full of beer have been too overwhelming for police to deal with. Sixty officers simply can't handle each of 5,000 people breaking the rules.

This may just be the way it goes for the few remaining shows of the season. The most attainable goal for now is probably to educate people and get the word out in hopes of making next summer better.

There are too many people who still somehow don't seem to know about the new rules or just aren't taking them seriously. Either way, next year will require a new and more aggressive enforcement strategy if officials are determined to rid the arts center of the preshow tailgates once and for all.