MADISON, Wis. -- The Capitol Neighborhoods Association met on Thursday night to discuss ways to combat alcohol problems in their community.

Authorities said that excessive drinking in downtown Madison is a problem that has led to dangerous, and even deadly, situations.

Officials from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the city of Madison suggested ways Thursday to curb binge drinking and violence, especially among college students.

"The university is a microcosm of the representatives of the state. So, when we talk about alcohol, its use and abuse, and the issues that we're faced with, they're issues that we're all faced with," said Dawn Crim, special assistant to the chancellor at UW-Madison.

The group discussed ideas to better enforce drinking age laws, limit the amount of liquor stores in the area and the possibility of increasing drink prices.

No formal decisions were made at Thursday's meeting, WISC-TV reported.