Among the many Olympic changes?parking disruptions, giant cauldrons and building size banners?one comes in liquid form.
Alcohol will be served in the Union for “the first and last time,” said Stayner Landward, dean of students.
“I believe the attorney general said that under this special circumstance, alcohol can be served, even though this is an alcohol-free campus,” Landward said.
Because of this ruling, only certain entities can serve alcohol in the Union.
“Areas will be cordoned off or parties will be held in private rooms,” said Whit Hollis, Union director. “Parties serving alcohol will be Olympic related and separated from the U community. This isn’t a blanket policy. If ASUU wants to host a party with alcohol, that’s not going to happen.”
The point of serving alcohol is basically for the sake of international relations.
“We’re trying to be good neighbors?good Olympic hosts,” Hollis said.
Landward feels serving alcohol will make international guests feel more comfortable.
“It’s under the heading of being a gracious host to countries where alcohol is a traditional part of a meal,” he said.
Corporations and entities involved with the Olympics are limited to serving only beer and wine, but only in specific areas.
Entities have requested the Panorama West Room and the Saltair Room, but the requests must go through an application process.
Hollis receives written requests which are sent to the Salt Lake Organizing Committee and to Barbara Snyder, vice president for student affairs, and they eventually reach U President Bernie Machen, Landward said.
“SLOC gets a say in who hosts parties in the Union as part of their contract,” Hollis said. “But they haven’t turned anyone down yet, and I don’t think they’re going to.”
Alcohol will be served during the Olympic break, and for any other Olympics-related activity, Hollis said.
Although campus food services will serve the food and alcohol, the entity hosting the party will buy it, Landward said.
“The entities hosting the party can only serve alcohol in the room they rent, and they must purchase it,” he said.
Another factor playing into the serving of alcohol is the Olympic break.
“Students won’t be on campus during February, so there will be more separation from the campus community,” Hollis said.
Although the break will keep most students off campus, the Union will remain open.
“We will be completely open the whole time, and as far as I know, even when the campus is closed,” he said. “We’ll serve as an information area, and it doesn’t really put on a good face when we have international visitors with no place to go.”
Although the Union will be open, and students can use the public areas of the building, Hollis warns against drinking on campus.
“Students are not allowed to drink in the Union?this is not a policy change, we’re just being good hosts,” he said.