Booze at Hughes

It’s another swig and a miss for the Student Senate.

A resolution passed this week calls for University officials to “seriously consider allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages during permissible events held at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.” Language in the resolution implies alcohol sales at athletic events.

Citing the University’s finan-cial troubles, the resolution asserts that the sale of alcohol could generate income for the school and increase event attendance.

While we applaud the effort to increase revenue (and are not kidding ourselves – alcohol finds its way through the gate), this measure is destined to be dead on arrival at Hearnes Hall.

According to the resolution, the sale of alcohol is “common practice on college campuses across the nation.”

It’s entirely possible that the Senate was imbibing when it passed this one.

Pittsburg State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Truman State University and Missouri Western State University all not only prohibit the sale of alcohol at athletic events, they don’t allow adult beverages at all inside their facilities.

Even party-loving, Division 1 powerhouse Mizzou doesn’t sell alcohol in the stands, though it is permitted in the private suites and Tiger Lounge.

On the other hand, Missouri State University allows the sale of alcohol by a “state-licensed vendor that has a contractual relationship with the facility,” at its sporting events.

Many of these schools have designated areas for tailgating or a specified “beer-garden.”

Senate has a valid idea. It just chose the wrong location.

While hawking the hard stuff for cash isn’t likely at Hughes anytime soon, designating an alcohol-friendly B.Y.O.B. tailgating zone would be a better alternative.

This would keep a dry peace enforced while still allowing those 21 and older to enjoy at their leisure.

Tailgates with the Alumni Association at the Hempen House are extremely popular. Imagine if we moved all that spirit to the gates of the stadium?

And we can’t deny the fact that some of that ‘spirit’ comes in a bottle.