West Chester has grown into a nightlife hotspot over the last 20 years. With bars like Jake's, Ryan's, Rams Head, Landmark, Kildares, and Mas, it is hard to have a bad time when you’re in town. Quizzo, Karaoke, and Music Bingo await you at every turn. But, what if West Chester had a wet campus? While many only think of the negative effects of having alcohol on campus, it does have its benefits, and I have a plan to make West Chester the best damn wet campus in PA.
Just because campus rules do not allow you to consume or possess alcohol doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Students are more than likely going to encounter alcohol during their years at college, this can only improve awareness and safety on campus. What’s worse, is the creation of laws that restrict even 21 year olds from consuming alcohol on campus even though they are of the legal age.
West Chester is one of the few campuses with their own police department; many campuses simply have “campus safety.” Having a wet campus safety is a big priority; University police could easily address situations and be of assistance if a problem rises. With that being said, the creation of a policy that only allows for designated drinking areas is a must.
Where would we put these designated drinking areas?
Perhaps turn the Quad into an outdoor bar. Before you call me absolutely insane for putting a bar in the middle of four academic buildings hear me out…
This idea stems from Fergs Live in Tampa Bay, which is right outside of where the Tampa Bay Lightning play.
Just imagine this in the Quad, we could have Baggo, Kan Jam, and life size Jenga. No one even plays Jenga sober, but give someone a few drinks and they’ll leave WCU with an architectural degree. Not to mention the sand volley ball court I would construct. Live music and everything else you would want in an adult fun zone.
Mechanical bull? Yep, you got it!
Fine, you don’t want the Quad littered with drunk kids while you’re trying to go to class. I have another solution. Have you ever been to Epcot in Disney? That’s right culture clubs, this is for you. Instead of a bar, how about fundraising? Set up an “around the world” and host different beers and alcohols to raise money for your clubs. It is sure to be a hit.
Don’t like that idea either? Well, then we could simply sell alcohol at sporting events. This would generate revenue for the University. Or even just allow for tailgating before and after games.
Before your head explodes, I have thought about how we would police underage drinking while having an event like these on campus. Like many concerts and other venues we could utilize a wristband system, with enhanced security to ensure everyones safety.
We could use the profit just like many state lotteries do, and allocate it toward the University. Scholarships, building improvements, new on-campus programs, just to name a few. With a wet campus everyone would win, and the change would surely have its benefits.
Or, maybe we should just stick to being West Chester and not West Virginia.
