Rochester Institute of Technology - Techmila / Ramikin Yearbook (Rochester, NY)

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 ■■nnv A yv English 13

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if you are someone who enjoys an occasional alcoholic beverage, your drinking habits may have changed when the legal drinking age in New York State was raised to 21 years of age. This change took place on December 1st, 1985, and along with this, some major campus-wide transformations have resulted. The Corner Store and the Cellar both abruptly halted their peddling of alcohol. The priviledge of a complimentary glass of wine from Grace Watson and Dining Commons during Special Dinners was revoked. Fraternity cash bars have all vanished and what is still left of fraternity parties are limited to only beer and wine. Alas, there is hope! With the Ritzskellar still open and with CAB still putting on a few P.O.E.T.S. Hours there is still a place to have a beer with your lunch or a glass of wine with a professor. Yet, those in the 21 and over crowd must still show 2 forms if ID and are limited to one drink for each purchase, Other injustices at alcoholic events include wearing an orange bracelet or having your hand stamped with permament ink which lasts for five days. Walking with your hand in your pocket prevents showing everyone that you have been partying all night instead of studying. To top it all off, if the weather is nice, you have the privilege of drinking in a fenced in cage, With the ever watching eye of various campus officials, most of fhe drinking occurs off campus. The apartments and the under,'Over bars are the most popular choices, which include Club 747, Idols, and 2001. Other local bars like the Red Creek still hold their weight, but have been forced fo cut back due to the law. If the system's got you down, cheer up! There are many alternatives, like the non-alcoholic events sponsored by CAB, OCSA, RHA and Greek Council, or one of 65 clubs and organizations that are on the RIT campus. Perhaps the frustration of the law makers at the number of DWI deaths has been unjustly put upon the under-21 crowd, but to live in harmony requires the cooperation of all in following the rules.