Thursday Pub Nights under discussion after complaints

by Julia Ernst

Those who have been to the Pub on a Thursday night recently may have noticed how crowded it is inside, or the long stream of people standing outside, waiting to get in.

Student complaints, as well as concerns from Public Safety about maximum occupancy regulations and fire safety, have led to discussions about making changes to Thursday Pub nights.

“The fact of the matter is, it’s very crowded on Thursday nights,” said Dean of Students Anthony Campbell. “What we did last Thursday was survey people online. There were many suggestions.”

Some suggestions include designating Thursday nights for 21- and 22-year-olds only and making Friday nights for 18- to 21-year-olds, but a final decision has been not made, Campbell said.

The issue was first raised during a Senate meeting. Students complained that they sometimes wait two hours in line to get inside, only to leave because they were frustrated. Others who are 21 are upset that they go to the Pub to drink but are never able to get inside now that it is open to more students, most of whom are underage.

“While I’m standing in line and I see that the pub is filled with 18-year-olds, I think it’s ridiculous,” said senior Steve Trainor. “I like that they are going to try and fix things, but just restricting it isn’t the right way to go about it. I think they need to try other options.”

A decision is scheduled to be announced at next week’s Senate meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 28. Look also for a story in the The Rider News in the next issue on Friday, Oct. 31 about the decision.