One effective way to bridge the gap between communities is to create shared social space in which all can feel welcome. A University pub can be that venue.
A pub has the potential to break down the divisions that have formed between the various groups on campus. Furthermore, by bringing students out of their eating clubs and providing an alternative to costly bars on Nassau Street, the pub can also help bring together undergraduates who typically are in different social groups. The Senior Pub Nights sponsored by the Senior Class Government this year saw seniors from different clubs, departments and extracurricular groups socializing together. For many, it was a chance to get reacquainted with classmates they hadn't spoken to since freshman year. Additionally, a new pub could seek to integrate younger students by offering food and events while instituting an ID system to limit the serving of alcohol to persons over 21.
A 2006 attempt to gauge interest in a University pub was successful in bringing out students and faculty alike. After the first trial, however, Princeton Borough withdrew the University's alcohol licenses for the remaining one-time trial events. Today, a major roadblock to the creation of the campus pub continues to be the Borough.
If any institution is capable of safely operating a campus pub, Princeton University is it. Given Princeton's resources and experience, the pub will likely be the safest in the Borough. After all, the University operated a pub in Chancellor Green for many years before the drinking age was raised. If Borough opposition continues to be an impediment, the University should consider including a pub in its plans for areas of campus that are within the Township. One possibility might be to integrate a pub into plans for the Lewis Center for the Arts.
The University should intensify its efforts to secure the Borough's support for a campus pub. Students can help by letting the Borough know how they feel. The USG can assist in organizing students for this purpose. The Borough Council should be cognizant of the benefit the pub would have for the Princeton community, which makes up a significant portion of the council's constituency. Let us hope next year will bring not only new sidewalks for Cleveland Lane, but the Borough's approval of a sensible, well-thought-out idea.
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