Beer will be on tap at the Lone Pine Tavern for the first time tonight, and for now the doors are open to students of all ages.
The tavern, in the basement of the Collis Center, received its state liquor license yesterday but could not serve alcohol because there was not a full staff, Collis Cafe Manager Cynthia Crutchfield said.
Because of questions about the feasibility of enforcing the legal drinking age, administrators were originally not sure if the tavern would be open to all students, or just those 21 and older.
But Dean of Student Life Holly Sateia said all students will be allowed into the pub as long as under-age drinking does not become a problem.
"We are counting on students' cooperation," she said. "We're going to start out as a mixed-age pub, and we fully intend to keep it up as long as the students cooperate."
Student Programs Coordinator Linda Kennedy said the College must comply completely with the state's regulations or else risk losing its liquor license.
"You cannot sip someone else's drink or share just a little bit," Kennedy said.
Before students can drink, they must go to the bar and show their Dartmouth Student Identification card and another form of photo identification that shows they are at least 21 years old, Crutchfield said.
There is a three-drink limit on alcoholic beverages, which will be enforced by the bartender, Crutchfield said. Students with the correct I.D. will receive a bracelet, similar to those distributed at Greek house parties. But at the Lone Pine, each time the student buys a drink, the bartender will punch the bracelet.
Ritner said the tavern will serve wine starting Friday but will not offer hard alcohol. Soft drinks, juice and coffee will also be available, along with a variety of appetizers and deserts, he added.
Tavern Manager Rey Ritner said although there was no alcohol last Saturday night, the pub was packed with enthusiastic students playing cards, listening to live music and having a good time.
He said he hopes underage students will not try to drink at the tavern.
"I think that from a legal standpoint you're asking for trouble, but from a social standpoint it's a great idea," Ritner said.
"I first thought it was a crazy idea, but it would be great to have a mixed crowd if that crowd on Saturday was any indication," he said.
Sateia said if underage students try to drink, the College will have to consider other options for the tavern.
"This is not something we are going to play around with. If we have any bit of trouble, it will immediately be limited to those who are 21 and older," she said.
The pub could either become strictly for people over 21, or it could allow a mixed age crowd only on nights when the tavern does not serve alcohol.
"I'm hoping students will be sensitive to the impact their actions will have on others," Sateia said. "It's quite clear students want it to be a mixed-age pub."
The tavern will be open tomorrow from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. and will serve Samuel Adams beer.
