MU Amends Alcohol Policy, We'll Drink to That!
Anjel Clemente
Manchester University is a historically dry campus; alcohol has neither been permitted nor tolerated.
That is, until now.
On Sept. 1, every MU student, faculty, and staff member received an email from President McFadden updating them on Manchester’s new alcohol policy: Alcohol can be served on campus now, but only to individuals 21 or older at events that have been previously approved. At said events, only certain types of alcohol will be allowed. Any beverages that exceed 10 percent of alcohol by volume will not be permitted.
One of Manchester's main priorities is raising awareness about the dangers of the overconsumption of alcohol and underage drinking. However, the university adjusted its alcohol policy in an effort to create a friendlier environment at social gatherings and to better complement meals or events.
The rules are different, but not exceedingly. The University still does not allow alcohol in any classrooms, dorms, apartments affiliated with the University, houses governed by residence life regulations or events off campus attended mainly by MU students or persons under the age of 21.
Further, Manchester does not posses a liquor license by the state of Indiana, so it cannot serve alcohol itself. A third party that is licensed and insured must provide the alcohol for the preapproved events. The provider must also carry insurance for workers’ compensation and liquor legal liability.
Apart from all of that, the provider must also be on the list of approved providers that is kept by the University. Also, food, along with non-alcoholic beverages, must be available at all times while the alcohol is being served.
"As a student, I think the updated policy on alcohol is great!” said Tate Wooding, junior. ”However, as an RA, and as President of Student Senate, I do have some concerns. I think a lot of people will take advantage of the new policy."
Wooding believes that Manchester will continue to crack down on people who refuse to obey the rules; however, he does not think that we’ve seen the last of the amendments to the alcohol policy. "I definitely see the alcohol policy continue to progress in the future," Wooding said.