by EMILY MELTON
News Reporter

Due to the passing of the mixed drink referendum, restaurants will soon make liquor available to its patrons.

Boone residents include a large number of Appalachian State University students and the new law may affect their life on campus.

“Even though the Town [of Boone] has passed the vote for liquor, it still won’t be available to students at tailgates,” Judy M. Haas, director of judicial affairs said. 

According to Appalachian State University’s tailgating policy and consistent with North Carolina State Law, only malt beverages and unfortified wine may be possessed or consumed.

Spirituous liquor is not permitted.

Also, only plastic bottles and cans will be allowed; glass bottles will not.

“The potential of broken glass is too much of a safety hazard,” Susie L. Greene, dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student development said. “If students are seen with bottles, they will be asked to pour the contents of the bottle in a cup.” 

Barry D. Sauls, director of parking and traffic, said there will be no changes made to Mountaineer Safe Ride.

“The purpose of Safe Ride is to ensure the safety of students who don’t feel comfortable walking by themselves,” he said.

Sauls said the taxi service is not meant to transport intoxicated passengers, and most students who are legally able to drink do not live on campus.

Another reason Safe Ride does not tend to intoxicated passengers is because its services are strictly limited to property owned by the university, excluding the State Farm lot, Sauls said.

Students should be aware of a change Safe Ride made to its operations. As of May, Safe Ride no longer accepts calls from large groups.

Sauls said the transportation of large groups results in single riders who must wait longer to be picked up.

The maximum number of students Safe Ride will transport is two; three or more will not receive transportation.

Owner of Tipsy Taxi Joseph “J.P.” Carlin said Tipsy Taxi will likely experience more business because of the vote.

“Students will see shorter rides and cheaper fares because restaurants at closer locations will offer liquor.”

Carlin also said offering liquor in Boone will decrease the amount of DUI’s students receive.

“Students won’t have to risk a long drive home from Blowing Rock after they’ve been drinking,” Carlin said.

University Police Chief Gunther E. Doerr said he believes adding spirituous liquor to Boone probably won’t increase the number of drunk drivers or accidents related to alcohol consumption.

“If businesses on King Street, for example, offer liquor, students won’t need to worry about drinking and driving,” Doerr said.

“They can simply walk home.”

Doerr said he believes if more businesses located farther away offer liquor, however, drinking and driving could become an issue.

By mid-September, two police officers will be added to patrol campus, and will ensure general student safety, Doerr said.

Students should always have designated drivers before they go out, Doerr said.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments