Lewis Tells UC Loker Will Remain Alcohol-Free

Responding to questions at an Undergraduate Council meeting on Sunday, Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68 dashed student hopes of installing a bar in Loker Commons.

"I see little likelihood of this happening anytime soon," Lewis said in an e-mail yesterday.

Lewis cited student wishes for an alcohol-free undergraduate social space, the College's concern over alcohol abuse and proximity to first-year dorms as problems with the proposal.

Thomas P. Windom '00, a council representative on the advisory committee on Loker Commons, raised the possibility of serving alcohol in Loker at Sunday's meeting.

"I brought it up because some people talked to me and e-mailed me about the issue," Windom said.

Much to the surprise of some council members, Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III was also opposed the idea.

"We're taking a strong line against the abuse of alcohol," Epps said.

Administrators said that the existence of on-campus bars at other schools, such as Brown University, was not enough to alter their decision.

"Each school has to decide for itself," Epps said.

The idea of serving alcohol at Loker stemed in part from its recent financial difficulties.

It is not, however, a new idea.

"Originally [they were] planning to have a pub or a bar in Loker, but the complications of getting a liquor license and the coffee revolution made them change their plans," said former council presidential candidate Rudd W. Coffey '97.

Not all students at Loker Commons yesterday afternoon where thrilled with the idea of Loker serving alcohol.

"I would object because it would be seen as though the college was condoning the behavior," said Jayne S. Joo '00. "It would exclude under-classmen."

Others thought the proximity to Harvard Square might have made the idea unfeasible.

"I don't think I'd like a bar at Loker," said Lauren K. Brozovich '99. "You could just go out into the square."

Others felt that the basement eatery could benefit from some changes.

"I think it's a great idea," Matt A. Wilson '97 said. "They ought to do something to make this place more exciting."

In an effort to gauge undergraduate opinion, the administration plans to distribute a survey to students to get ideas for the under used space.

"The sheets will have room for every kind of feedback," said Kathleen I. Kouril '82, a consultant recently hired by the Dean of Students to help improve Loker Commons.

"The University has to be careful about the health and safety of the students," Kouril said. "But, like everything else at Loker, if we find a group swell of public opinion, an issue can be reconsidered.

Others thought the proximity to Harvard Square might have made the idea unfeasible.

"I don't think I'd like a bar at Loker," said Lauren K. Brozovich '99. "You could just go out into the square."

Others felt that the basement eatery could benefit from some changes.

"I think it's a great idea," Matt A. Wilson '97 said. "They ought to do something to make this place more exciting."

In an effort to gauge undergraduate opinion, the administration plans to distribute a survey to students to get ideas for the under used space.

"The sheets will have room for every kind of feedback," said Kathleen I. Kouril '82, a consultant recently hired by the Dean of Students to help improve Loker Commons.

"The University has to be careful about the health and safety of the students," Kouril said. "But, like everything else at Loker, if we find a group swell of public opinion, an issue can be reconsidered.