The Wisconsin Union recently changed an internal operating procedure that will affect the way Hoofers and Wisconsin Union Directorate groups can serve alcohol at their events.
Previously, Hoofers and WUD groups were covered under a special procedural rule allowing their events to serve alcohol without using a catering service. However, a recent procedural review retracted that privilege.
\We're trying to bring all our procedures in line with the overall responsibility we have for providing alcohol-free programming and alternatives to alcohol,"" said Mark Guthier, director of the Wisconsin Union.
At the Wisconsin Union Executive Committee meeting on Feb. 5, procedural memo D-4.2 was rescinded, meaning that WUD and Hoofers groups must now go through the same procedures that apply to other groups holding functions at the union. This means that they must have either a cash or open bar with a bartender.
""They're trying to solve a problem that isn't there,"" said Dale Carder, a UW-Madison senior and member of the Hoofer Sailing Club's executive board.
The sailing club is one of the most affected organizations by this decision because it hosts a social event every Friday night throughout the summer at the Memorial Union. Carder said there have not been any incidents to provoke a change in procedure.
""The union is responsible for checking all of the IDs and checking all of those logistics,"" he said. ""We have rules in place that make sure that no alcohol leaves the premises.""
Guthier said he recognized this, but said the change is meant as a precautionary measure.
""We're just trying to make it a more positive atmosphere and to have everybody who purchases alcohol through the union do it in a responsible way,"" he said.
This decision was made without student input because it is a staff operating procedure, not a policy that would have needed the input of the Wisconsin Union Council, the governing body determining union policy, which is composed mostly of students.
Carder, however, said he disagreed with the way this was handled.
""It's a pretty sad thing for a university that prides itself on student involvement not to have any student involvement on a decision that affects nothing but students,"" Carder said.
Hoofers and WUD had previously received a discount on alcohol served at their events. In this respect both sides agree that the change is appropriate.
""If students have to pay more to drink and students have to pay to drink on an individual level, they will drink less,"" said Andy Wallmeyer, a UW-Madison senior and president of WUD.
