Thursday, October 10, 1996
ALCOHOL:
Attempt to open bar in Ackerman Union failed in mid-’70sBy
Kathryn Combs
Daily Bruin Contributor
In recent years, controversy has surrounded the proposed
addition of an on-campus pub to UCLA facilities. Most colleges with
campus bars  some in the UC system  are known for
inadvertently allowing consumption of alcohol by underage students,
part of the reason why on-campus bars have a bad name.
It makes one wonder why, since UC San Diego’s Porter’s Pub has
existed since 1989 and aside from an early incident of underage
drinking that closed it’s doors until 1993, the present manager,
Todd Stewart says the establishment provides a gathering place, not
always alcohol-centered.
"During the day, if students are in between classes it kinda
gives them a break," Stewart said. "We actually get a lot of
students that study here."
What most students don’t know is that there was a time when an
on-campus bar was a viable option for UCLA.
As early as 1934 and as recent as 1980 Associated Students’ UCLA
(ASUCLA) tried a number of times to open an on-campus establishment
that served alcohol.
In the mid 1970s, ASUCLA’s board of directors attempted to open
such an establishment in Ackerman Union. However, shortly after
posting their liquor license, opposition arose on the grounds that
alcohol was not conducive to UCLA’s academic setting.
Those against the plan are concerned that a combination of peer
pressure and an increased availability of alcohol would increase
access to underage students.
After the first license was revoked, the plan was brought up
again for review by the ASUCLA board of directors. As a result, Lu
Valle Commons was built to house Jimmy’s and possibly the proposed
pub.
Board members favored the proposal because the pub would be
located between the old Graduate School of Management and the Law
School. They theorized that more graduate- aged students would be
drawn to the pub and underage student access would be greatly
diminished because of its location.
Nevertheless, campus protest and a court ruling stood in the
way.
But today, recent renovation and expansion of already existing
facilities, may create the ideal time to open such an
establishment.
"It’s a possibility but it’s not in our short term plans," said
Kert Evans, Director of Food Services with ASUCLA.
Arguments against the pub in the past have ranged from the lack
of existing structures to house the project to the lack of student
sentiment in favor of such a project.
"I think it would be well received by some and not so well
received by others … With any service of alcohol, there come
problems such as unruliness and underage drinking," Evans
added.
Opponents of the pub argue that serving alcohol on campus might
lead to a steep increase of dangerous incidents involving
alcohol.
But the same argument can be made for the opposite stance.
"It’s kinda’ dangerous to leave campus to go to a bar and have
to find your way back," said Andrew Ducote, a first-year biology
student. "It would probably cut down on accidents while
intoxicated."