A social media flyer for a Montgomery County Young Democrats “Mix-n-Mingle” event inviting attendees ages 16–36 while advertising a cash bar has sparked a political controversy and criticism from congressional candidate Anthony Constantino.
By Watertown Post Staff
A political flyer circulating online from the Montgomery County Young Democrats has ignited a growing political controversy after promoting a post-protest “Mix-n-Mingle” event that explicitly invites attendees ages 16 to 36 while also advertising a “cash bar” and encouraging guests to “come get a drink.”
The promotional graphic, widely shared on social media, reads:
“Montgomery County Young Democrats Mix-n-Mingle — Free entry. Cash bar. Good vibes. Come get a drink and rally with us after the No Kings Protest! Who’s welcome? Democrats and left-leaning friends ages 16-36.”
The wording quickly drew criticism from Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino, who said the language raises serious concerns about the way political groups are attempting to attract younger audiences.
According to Constantino, the flyer was first brought to his attention by parents who were alarmed by the combination of youth targeting and alcohol-related messaging.
“When you advertise ‘come get a drink’ and a ‘cash bar’ while inviting people as young as 16, that’s not just sloppy wording — it’s a serious judgment problem,” Constantino said in a social media statement. “Political organizations should be encouraging civic participation, not using alcohol-focused messaging around minors.”
Questions About Messaging
While supporters of the event argue that alcohol laws require ID checks and that minors would not actually be served drinks, critics say that explanation misses the central issue: the way the event was marketed.
In New York, the legal drinking age is 21, and event promotions involving alcohol commonly include disclaimers such as “21+ to drink” or similar language clarifying age restrictions. That disclaimer does not appear on the widely circulated flyer.
Constantino and other critics say that omission is exactly what makes the advertisement problematic.
The flyer’s emphasis on phrases such as “come get a drink,” “mix-n-mingle,” and “cash bar” — combined with the explicit age range starting at 16 — has led some observers to question whether the messaging was designed to blur the lines between youth political outreach and adult nightlife culture.
Democrats Push Back
Supporters of the event say the criticism is politically motivated and argue that venues serving alcohol typically implement wristbands, stamps, or ID checks to ensure minors cannot purchase alcohol.
Some defenders of the event have accused Constantino of exaggerating the issue, arguing that mixed-age gatherings where alcohol is available are common at weddings, sporting events, and other public functions.
Others, however, say the criticism highlights a legitimate optics problem.
Several community members pointed out that political outreach to teenagers — particularly those under voting age — should be handled carefully and avoid messaging that centers on alcohol.
Calls for Accountability
Constantino has called on Democratic officials connected to the event or its promotion to clarify their involvement and publicly explain the intent behind the flyer.
“If the goal is to engage young people in politics, that’s something everyone should support,” Constantino said. “But when you mix youth outreach with alcohol marketing, you create questions that deserve answers.”
The controversy intensified after several individuals affiliated with regional Democratic circles shared the promotional material online, further amplifying the debate.
A Growing Political Flashpoint
The dispute highlights the increasingly aggressive tone surrounding youth engagement in politics as both parties compete for younger voters ahead of upcoming elections.
For Constantino supporters, the issue underscores what they see as a pattern of questionable messaging from Democratic political organizations.
For critics of Constantino, the issue is being framed as a political distraction.
But regardless of where one stands politically, the controversy has sparked a broader conversation about how political groups communicate with younger audiences — and where the line should be drawn when minors are included in those efforts.
As the debate spreads online, the flyer has become yet another flashpoint in New York’s already heated political climate heading into the next election cycle.
About the Author
