Speaks out

Do you think a bar should be allowed on campus? How do you think
it would affect the campus atmosphere? Hai Huynh

Fifth-year, economics

“I could see myself going to a bar on campus since it
would be convenient after midterms and finals or a long day at
class. But I think it would make alcohol too accessible, especially
to underage drinkers and that could cause a problem. Considering
all other bars have the same problem, I don’t think it would
be any different for a bar on campus. Even if I could see myself
going, it would be better not to have the bar, especially when we
have so many visitors on campus at all times. It would reflect
poorly on the school if there were a bunch of drunk students
running around campus because generally when people are drunk they
can act really stupid. There are other ways of spending money to
improve Ackerman besides wasting it on a bar that might cause
problems for the school’s reputation.” Oren Mayer

Fourth-year, microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics

“As long as the bar wasn’t open during the day when
students might drink before class, it would be fine to have a bar
on campus. It shouldn’t be open when there are classes going
on because then you are guaranteed to have students coming to class
drunk, as stupid as that is, especially when we are here to learn.
If it was only open at night it wouldn’t be such a bad idea,
especially when students finish midterms and finals and they want a
close place to go and celebrate. I don’t think it will take
away from the atmosphere of studying as long as it’s only
open as a recreational thing at night and it won’t have a
conflict with classes. If the bar has a lively atmosphere to
compete with the bars in Westwood, I could definitely see myself
going with friends.” Chris Richardson

Fifth-year, molecular, cell and developmental biology

“I don’t think there should be a bar on campus when
we can’t even drink at sporting events in Pauley Pavilion or
at the Rose Bowl. Why have a bar on campus when this campus has
been dry for so long? It would be such a liability for the school
because many students have fake IDs here and that would do nothing
but get the school in trouble with underage drinking. If there was
a campus bar, a lot more people would skip class and it would
definitely detract from studies. I also really think it would wreck
the atmosphere of Ackerman Union with students staggering through
Ackerman after having spent time drinking at the bar. If it were on
campus there would be too much temptation to go; I definitely
would, so I would rather not have the temptation there at
all.”