The Lawrentian

Issue date: 9/25/09 Section: Opinions & Editorials

But they are not, and with good reason. The administration at Lawrence has been pragmatic enough to understand that since drinking is so widespread, the only thing that can be realistically done to combat it is control it as best as possible.
Smokers are a minority with a dirty habit, while drinkers are clearly a powerful lobby. And though it is fair to say that alcohol is also banned within academic areas, alcohol inhibits learning far more than smoking does. Drinking in Main Hall during class is like smoking while running -- your vice does not fit your current activity.
Several of my friends -- we were drinking a lot -- were perplexed when I disagreed with the ban. My friends countered that it did not affect me, so why should I care? I don't smoke cigarettes. But at the same time, there are many people at Lawrence who choose not to drink and thus have to put up with damage done to Lawrence because of alcohol; I'm sure there are a number of people on this campus who teetotal and would have no qualms with ridding Lawrence of alcohol.
At this point, an alcohol ban is impossible. A smoking ban was feasible because it affected a minority, and a majority has no problem with it. A freedom is a freedom, and one that existed before no longer does. People should consider this no matter what their vice is.

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