The Bloomington bar will no longer be able to host events for local teenagers.

As of Tuesday, “Teen nights” will cease to exist in Downtown Bloomington, despite the alcohol-free environment.

Two teen nights were previously held at Daddio’s, 527 N. Main St., but the Bloomington Liquor Commission denied permission on Thursday, July 5 for future teen nights.

The four commissioners had a 2-2 vote when deciding on the matter. Commissioner and Mayor Steve Stockton and Commissioner Mark Gibson voted in favor of teen nights, while Commissioners Richard Buchanan and Geoffrey Tompkins voted against future teen nights.

Buchanan said that the two previous teen nights at Daddio’s turned out extremely well. However, as a member of the Bloomington–Normal Community Campus Committee, many people who opposed the teen nights contacted him.

“Originally, I voted to give the nights a six-week try, but I was surprised, startled, at how much negative response I received,” Buchanan said.

A major concern among those in opposition is the location of the event and the potential for teens to interact with an older crowd.

“People visiting other bars walking around and juveniles mixing in with them is a bad idea,” Dave White, Bloomington police public affairs officer said.

Potential alcohol advertising and its effect on teens were also another concern among the BNCCC.

“Advertising creates an unfortunate illusion that drinking alcohol is cool, and if you want to have fun at a party you have to have alcohol,” Buchanan said.

White said that police were also worried hundreds of teens could potentially drive their cars to the teen nights and cause traffic congestion in the bar district.

Mayor Steve Stockton, who voted for future teen nights, said that some were concerned alcohol advertising might send the wrong message to teens, while others thought it would be a good opportunity for kids to go into a bar and have fun without drinking alcohol.

“Some feel that having a teen club separate from the downtown bar district is best, but economic factors restrict that,” Stockton said. “Soda sales would not be able to keep a place running which probably isn’t open every night.”

Opportunities for organizations that might have interest in sponsoring teen activities are open for discussion, Stockton added.