[RACooper]

In my case all the "formal" rush events hosted by the house were dry. However all events end at 10pm (in case they had class, practice, long commute, whatever) and if they went to the same bar as us oh well (some did, some went clubbing). The thing is here that well pretty much up until this year the vast majority (around 80%) of first-years could leagally drink.

So here is a scenario for you:
A formal rush event, deck BBQ, is held at the house. Now no booze is purchased by the house for Rush, nor is any member allowed to offer a rush booze (well before 10pm). However every active member present and alumni is legally allowed the right have there own. So a rush chair my job was to make sure that the members didn't offer booze or drink to much themselves as they worked the BBQ, or relaxed on the deck. Here's the thing..... some rush simply went and bought some beer or booze and then brought it to the house. I for one didn't mind.... I wanted to see how they acted around the drinking, were they resposible or complete jackasses (which 2 ex-rushes turned out to be). They event went smoothly and the members kept everything in check until around 11pm before making plans for which bar/party/club to hit. Please note that a consultant was there and our HQ offical line in DRY RUSH.

Now I can seen were this event could have gone wrong, or be taken advantage of. I do understand IHQ's position on booze, but that is based on US laws and perceptions. If I was to tell a rush that we don't allow them to drink during rush our recruitment would drop to 0 (I know they tried that one year). We do not allow keg's or host booze soaked parties, and if a member shows signs of trouble we will and have stepped in. We also respect those who choose not to drink, whether for religious, social, or personal reasons (our Alumni advisor is a non-drinker as well as 3 new members). One thing that we are all aware of is the negative image that greeks have in the media regarding drinking, and we try to downplay it (you can't eliminate it). But the enviroment here is a little different that US schools: we have alcohol companies that sponsor events around frosh week, 80% of frosh can and do drink, and it is considered perfectly normal to go out for a pint after class with your classmates, TA, or prof. Hell, up until this year one of the residences hosted free Keg pre-pub parties once a month (all paid for by you residence fees); and when canceled upset alot of alumni and staff.

I for one am a huge advocate of responsiblity.... if you aren't responsible than cut back or stop; no excuses. Nothing is worse than a bad drunk.