GRADUATION: U. puts outdoor alcohol ban on hold for alums

Recent restrictions on outdoor alcohol consumption at the University will not stop those who are of age from drinking a highball over Alumni Day and Commencement weekend, whether at nightfall or otherwise. Over the last several weeks, the University has placed restrictions on outdoor drinking at the Palladium's popular Locust Walk terrace in an attempt, officials said last month, to be consistent in the enforcement of the University's alcohol policy. When the bar's terrace lease came up for renewal with the University, the Vice Provost for University Life's office instructed the real estate department to prohibit drinking there, Associate Treasurer for Real Estate Christopher Mason said last month. And Morrisson said her office was "concerned about the consistent and the fair application of University policy throughout the University." But there will be plenty of outdoor drinking on Alumni Day since the Alumni Office has been given jurisdiction over the day. "[Alcohol] will be available on a limited basis and not for sale," Associate Director of Alumni Relations Carol Fitzgerald said last week. "If [someone who requests alcohol[ is of age, we will make it available." Fitzgerald said that while these functions have had cash bars in the past, this year the system will rely on security and administrative supervision. "We put our efforts into the excellent programming and the events so that the alcohol restrictions will hopefully not restrict the fun we expect to have over Alumni weekend," she said. And the Palladium does not plan to have its fun restricted, since the bar is the traditional site the 10 most recent University alumni classes to celebrate on the Friday night of Alumni Weekend. Palladium co-owner Roger Harman said he has asked the University for permission to serve alcohol outside this weekend but he has not received a response from either the Office of University Life or the Real Estate office. So, Harman said, the party's on from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the restaurant's terrace tonight. "I don't know whether no news is good news," Harman said last week. "Maybe no one wants to take a firm stand, but no one will be particularly upset [if there is outdoor drinking at the Palladium]. "We're trying to be model citizens here, and barring hearing any strong negative reactions, I guess we'll serve," he said.