We’re pissed. And no, not in the drunken, British sense. That would require an adequate number of campus bars, which we unfortunately do not have.
Marquette students pride themselves on academic success. Many spend their weekdays tucked away in the library or hunched over a computer, making precious weekends all the more desirable.
For students who are 21 and older, indulging in the social side of college life through a visit to the bar brings relief from hours of studying and homework.
However, the lack of bars directly on campus seriously hinders students’ plans to go out.
Within the last year alone, two of Marquette’s most popular bars, Jim Hegarty’s Pub and Angelo’s Pizza Restaurant & Bar, closed indefinitely. So far, there have been no plans or suggestions made to add new bars to campus.
This pitifully leaves Marquette’s bar count at two: Murphy’s Irish Pub and Caffrey’s Pub. Both have become an important mainstay of campus nightlife, but as much as Marquette students love going to Murph’s and Caff’s, they can become a little routine. This lack of variety is problematic.
With only two bars at Marquette, it doesn’t take much to reach capacity.
There’s nothing worse than planning a night out only to find you can’t comfortably fit inside one of the only two bars available on campus.
This also means that on any given Friday or Saturday night, there will be many people packed in Murphy’s or Caffrey’s, forcing their way to the bar, stealing tables, accidentally knocking over drinks and invading the personal space of those who simply want to enjoy a beer or two.
Known as the land of beer and more beer, Milwaukee is home to many quality bars. Outside of campus, students don’t have to worry as much about finding exciting places to go during their limited off time.
Downtown areas like Water Street, Brady Street and the Third Ward provide students with much-needed diversity in their quest for new bar-hopping destinations. But during harsh Milwaukee winters, no one wants to hike down Wisconsin Avenue or wait at a bus stop at 1 a.m.
It’s not convenient, and if someone has a few too many, it’s not safe.
Because of the lack of legitimate drinking establishments on campus, students may be forced to party in shady, unknown basements, which can also be dangerous for a number of reasons. Campus bars are controlled environments that are safer than house parties or attempting to drive off campus.
Administrators may argue it’s not their problem to worry about the availability of alcohol on campus for students. But the fact is students are going to drink either way. And along with academics and extracurricular activities, going to bars is an important part of the college experience.
Campus bars give students the opportunity to have fun in a secure area, while being right around the corner from their houses and apartments. An increase in the number of campus bars would keep students on campus during the weekend and give everyone who wants to go out more options and space.
If an issue occurs at a campus bar, the Department of Public Safety would be able to respond quickly to any problems. Some students may not feel safe going to unfamiliar bars around the city. The closer bars are to campus, the less vulnerable students will feel, especially those unfamiliar with Milwaukee.
We’re not saying students are asking to run through the streets of Wells and Kilbourn drunk and disorderly. Rather, we believe there should be more variety and more nearby places to find camaraderie and refuge amid the chaos of being a college student.