Police consider alcohol crackdown at the 'Street'

Borough Police officials are considering the use of undercover officers and aggressive investigation tactics to monitor and curtail underage drinking at eating clubs, Borough Police Capt. Charles Davall said.

"What prompted us to ask some questions were the two sexual assaults that occurred recently," Davall said. "There have also been intoxicated kids sent to the [Princeton Medical Center], but it's really the assaults — and the alcohol involved — that got our attention."

The plan would aim to prevent underage drinking on Prospect Avenue and could lead to fines and charges against the eating clubs, Davall said.

"No decisions — about the investigations and going undercover — have been made yet," Davall said. "We're still gathering information."

Borough Police officials have sensed a disregard for alcohol laws at the eating clubs, according to Davall. During a meeting last week between police and eating club officials, officers discussed underage drinking and possible police action, he said.

"We meet with the clubs every year to talk about the law and alcohol," Davall said, adding that the tone of this year's meeting was more serious than in the past. "They still aren't responsible with serving alcohol. That's when you have to look at the problem another way."

Eating club officers discussed the proposed crackdown at last week's ICC meeting, prompting some clubs to consider changes to their alcohol distribution policies.

ICC president Dan Winn '01 said the clubs will be working to reduce underage drinking on Prospect. "I think the attitude the clubs are taking is rather than call their bluff, look at how we can work to improve the situation," he said.

Cottage Club will be providing additional security and safety measures in response to the possible Borough Police escalation, said Cottage president Chris Wolff '01.

Quadrangle Club will continue using a similar marking system to prevent underage drinking, president Antranig Garibian '01 said.

Davall said there are follow-up meetings scheduled between police and club officers to continue discussions about alcohol enforcement.

Public Safety also is monitoring underage drinking on the 'Street,' according to Crime Prevention Specialist Barry Weiser. "We're always concerned with students' safety," he said. "We also sit down with the clubs and discuss Bicker and alcohol."