I don't know this for a fact, but suspect that they will add liquor to the downstairs bars after they have their feet under themselves completely, depending also on the artist. I don't think there is a legal restriction there (security was carding/wristbanding 21+ at Alt-J), and all they would have to do is restrict access around the bar areas to 21+ (they may have already been doing this; I just wasn't paying attention). I'm guessing they kept beer only at the downstairs bar so they could keep up (the show was a sellout and one of their first). They did an excellent job of keeping the lines flowing, though I would def suggest going to the side bar instead of the one at the back of the hall.
Regarding the mezzanine, I just bought tickets for Lord Huron at Cain's in July, and the mezzanine upcharge was $15 on a base $22 ticket. I happily paid it, because I will almost always do that to avoid lines...
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