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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Albertson College OKs sale of alcohol to students

Associated Press

CALDWELL, Idaho – Albertson College of Idaho plans to allow beer and wine sales to students on campus this spring, but only under tight restrictions including drink limits and a membership fee.

The Albertson College board of trustees approved the move to establish a pub in the McCain Student Union Building on the Caldwell campus for a trial period.

Bon Appetit, a private contractor that provides food and beverage service at the private university, will operate the alcoholic beverage sales at the tavern, to be called The Pub at Twenty-one Twelve. The policy will be re-evaluated at the end of the 2004-2005 school year by the college leadership.

The decision was reached only after a committee found similar colleges that serve alcohol in pub-like atmospheres had seen success, said Beth Zborowski, communication specialist for Albertson.

“This will be a fun and safe environment for everyone,” Zborowski said. “We plan to provide an educational environment for everyone on campus.”

Beer and wine will be served from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday.

The restrictions include a two-drink maximum during the first hour of operation and one drink each subsequent hour.

Bon Appetit employees – not students – will serve alcoholic beverages, campus officials said.

Dean of Student Affairs Paul Bennion hopes the pub can be used as an educational tool to inform students how to handle alcohol responsibly.

Student fees have paid for recent renovations at the pub. A $5 yearly membership fee will be charged to all eligible faculty, staff and students.

All members will be required to visit with Campus Safety about procedures and responsibilities before receiving a sticker on their ID cards.

Students under 21 will be allowed in the pub if accompanied by a member, within the boundaries of state law.

“We follow the law, but we need to make sure the issue is not swept under the rug,” Bennion said.