Bucking two-and-a-half years of reservations and hesitation, the Princeton Borough Council unanimously voted late last night to adopt a controversial alcohol ordinance that would let police enter eating clubs and arrest underage drinkers.
"We feel the clubs have been largely uncooperative with the laws we already have on the books, and that something had to be done," Borough Mayor Marvin Reed said.
Upon hearing the news, the USG held an emergency executive committee meeting to plan a response.
USG president Nina Langsam '03 said she would begin this morning putting together a petition to oppose the ordinance.
"This is our chance to show the Borough that our voices matter," said Langsam, who co-chairs the Alcohol Coalition. "Anyone who wants to sign the petition should email me as soon as possible at nlangsam@princeton.edu."
U-Council chair Josh Anderson '04 said he would form a committee to look at the ordinance.
Dan Handman '03, chair of the Inter-Club Council, said he was "concerned" about the ordinance.
"Even though I'm ICC chair, I can't speak for the rest of the clubs, but as Campus Club president I'd say we're screwed," said Handman in an off-the-record conversation, in which he repeatedly asked not to be quoted.
The University, which only recently joined the dialogue about the alcohol ordinance, had no comment.
In a heated Borough Council meeting that lasted until 1 a.m., council members sparred with club officials over the effectiveness of such an ordinance.
"You are going to make the problem 1,000 times worse!" former USG president Joe Kochan '02, said furtively.
"What if a student dies?" asked Councilwoman Wendy Benchley. "This is just another tool."
Borough Police Chief Charles Davall said his officers would begin enforcing the ordinance tomorrow night on Dean's Date, using a "drunk bus," similar to the one used in the shore town Avalon, where the law originated.
Police will use the bus to round up underage drinkers and take them to the department, Davall said.
"We feel like we're doing the right thing," he said. "Imagine all the lives we'll save."
Davall also said his force would establish a special undercover unit to enforce the law.
"The officers will be dressed like any normal Princeton student," he said. "Males will wear khakis and Polo shirts with the collars up, women in black pants and tube tops."
Club officers were baffled about how to respond. Ivy Club president Rob Neely '03 and Terrace Club president Alexis Frasz '03 said they would "bury the hatchet" between the two clubs and spearhead a form of a sit-in.
"Instead of a sit-in, we should have a drink-in where everyone brings their beers to a council meeting," Neely said.
Frasz did not return numerous phone calls, but finally said over email, "I don't trust the 'Prince.' You're tricky little bastards."
Student reactions to the news were varied.
A 17-year-old female student, who was intoxicated after being served alcoholic beverages at the Cotton Club, proceeded to break several door handles and bathroom fixtures in Blair Hall in frustration.
Many students declined to comment, saying they were extremely busy with work.
"What?" said Taylor Henricks '03, adding that he was just finishing his fourth problem set.
Anne Braveman '03 also responded.
"I think this reflects the Kafka-esque synecdoches so common in fin de siecle sestinas," said Braveman.
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