HOUSES MAY HAVE BEER UNDER NEW CLUB LAW RULING

Following an investigation into the state and municipal law in regard to the granting of licenses for the sale of beer, it appears that there is a likelihood of beer in the dining halls next fall. Due to a tangle in the laws, the University has not yet been able to obtain a license.

The only official statement forthcoming yesterday at University Hall was that "The University is still investigating its legal status with a view to serving beer if possible." A. L. Endicoot '94, comptroller, said that there is no longer any possibility of beer this spring, but that some action might be taken in the fall. J. McC. Landis, professor of Law, has been in charge of the investigation by the University, which reported to President Lowell Tuesday.

Legal Difficulties

Under Massachusetts law, no provision is made for granting licenses to colleges. The most likely way for the University to obtain a license would be to form a "club" in each of the Houses, since clubs may receive licenses. The only other possible category in which the University could come would be that of a licensed victualler, but in this case it would be necessary to open the dining halls to the public.

Another difficulty in the way of the serving of beer is the 21-year age limit, which is imposed by the state law. Presumably some scheme would have to be put into effect whereby all students over 21 who wished to purchase beer would be issued cards certifying their age. At Dartmouth beer is now being served, but no age limit exists in New Hampshire. Yale and Princeton, like Harvard, are investigating the matter, and have not as yet reached any decision. It is understood that the authorities in University Hall are anxious to have beer in the dining halls if it can be sold legally and profitably. Lawyers consulted yesterday considered the club scheme the most likely solution.