One can expect while going to a concert or a sports game that there will be a long line upon entering the venue. The same feeling of panic before going through TSA at the airport is present while entering a crowded venue. Rushing to get all of your belongings into a bucket and making it through without an issue is not only stressful, but frustrating when all you want to do is get in and find your seats before the venue event starts. The Enterprise Center recently announced their clear bag policy, which went into effect Tuesday, September 3 for the John Mayer concert.

   This policy approves clear bags that are 12 inches long, 6 inches wide and 12 inches high, plastic bags up to one gallon in size, small clutches up to 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches and a diaper bag with a child present. Items that are not included in the clear bag policy are backpacks, camera cases, fanny packs, purses, etc. 

   The policy is intended to make waiting times in lines faster and entry more efficient. The Enterprise Center mentioned in its press release, “to speed up gate access, fans will no longer be required to empty their pockets prior to passing through metal detectors due to upgrades in technology. The facility will also deploy X-Ray machines at key locations throughout the venue.”

   A clear bag policy eliminates the risk of missing something while purse-checking, but isn’t that what technology is for? Using X-Ray machines is a great idea because people may bring any bag of their choosing, while also catching anything suspicious that might be missed due to human error. There is a reason TSA does not have clear bag policies at airports—because we have the technology.

   Aside from the usual security measures, fans have to walk through a metal detector and pass by a security guard with a metal detector wand. We aren’t required to wear clear clothing because we have these inventions. If we have X-Ray scanners, and actually use them, then we shouldn’t be required to bring clear bags.

   I understand that X-Ray scanners are expensive; however, the St. Louis Blues should be able to assume this expense. They won the Stanley cup this year and since then, the Enterprise Center has seen an increase in season ticket sales for the new, upcoming season. They even held watch parties for every away game during the playoffs. Not to mention, the St. Louis Blues have even designed their own clear bags for fans to purchase.

   Another issue with the clear bag policy is that it is more than likely that someone will need more than just their phone, wallet and keys. Everyone knows that women’s pockets are designed to be significantly smaller than men’s, serving the need to carry a purse in the first place. People who need to bring medicine, a mini first-aid kit, or feminine products will not be able to fit all of their belongings into a small clutch. They may be able to fit their belongings into a gallon sized plastic bag, but that would be tacky. Walking around with a clear bag also puts you at risk for pickpocketing, mugging and other types of theft.

   I do not own a clear bag, nor do I want to buy one anytime soon. We have the technology to prevent the need for purse-checkers and clear bags, so this policy is simply unnecessary.

Everyone expects long lines at the arena just like St. Louisans expect at Ted Drewes, which we know moves fast! Unfortunately, it might not be long before Busch Stadium also adopts this clear bag policy.