AROUND HIGHER EDUCATION: 30 Villanova students arrested for underage drinking

The Villanovan CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. (U-WIRE) -- More than 30 Villanova University students were arrested for underage drinking when state police liquor enforcement officers raided Club Rio in Conshohocken, Pa., on November 12. Because of anonymous complaints of noise and reports of underage drinking, state police liquor enforcement officers conducted an undercover investigation of Club Rio over the past four weeks, according to Cpl. William Hairston, district office commander for the state police's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement in Allentown, Pa. "While investigating the club, officers observed many youthful appearing individuals," Hairston said. After the four-week investigation, police raided Club Rio, arresting a total of 46 students, 37 of them from Villanova and the rest from LaSalle and St. Joseph's universities. Thirteen of the students arrested were also caught with false identification, according to Hairston. "We came in the club and started carding youthful appearing individuals. Upon the arrival of the rest of the unit, we started carding more heavily," he said. Hairston noted that complaints are not always necessary for a club or bar to be raided. "We don't necessarily need to hear a complaint in order to raid an establishment. If there is suspicion that a club is serving alcohol to minors, we will challenge that club," Hairston said. Club Rio holds its "insane college night" Thursdays, and buses students from Villanova to the club. Hairston said he is aware of the bus Club Rio uses to transport students, but explained that he has no control over what kinds of methods the club uses to get students to and from the bar. "We don't control that aspect; we deal with underage drinking," Hairston said. The students arrested for underage drinking face a maximum fine of $300 and could lose their license for up to three months. Those students who were also charged with possessing false identification face the same maximum fine, but could lose their license for a longer period of time. Club Rio can face a fine of up to $5,000 for serving alcohol to minors and its license can either be suspended or revoked. At this time, the club will not be shut down, Hairston said. However, if it is found serving minors again, the fines will escalate and the chances of being shut down will increase, he said. Hairston explained that state liquor enforcement is no more tough this year than it has been in the past. "When a location [of underage drinking] comes to our attention, we will take action, and we will be very vigilant toward underage drinking," he said. Hairston will meet with school administrators shortly to discuss the issue of students being transported to and from the club and the large number of underage University students frequenting the club.