By Francisco Roman

11pm on a Friday night, a Tulane first-year walks up to a bar. Eyes bright and glistening with the excitement of being away from home for the first time, that tell the entire world they absolutely are not 26 years old, as their Connecticut ID claims. Every Friday and Saturday, and sometimes even the odd “Pitcher Night” Thursday or “Wine Wednesday”, thousands of underage Tulane students feel compelled to engage in the “right of passage” that is underage drinking. The saying “Work hard play hard” has become somewhat of an unofficial motto adapted by the students of the institution, as many believe the only way to truly reward oneself after a hard week of hitting the books, is to hit the bars even harder. That is until Tulane University decides to place a $2 million police station across from one of the go to spots for students looking to either begin or end their night the best way they know how. 

While there are anti-alcohol policies set in place for underage students on many, if not all college campuses across the country, new ways to access alcohol are prevalent at many of them, Tulane being no exception. First-years, time and time again, find their way around these barriers, sometimes going to immeasurable lengths to fulfill their desire to drink, sometimes even breaking the law to do so. It was estimated by the National Institute of Health in 2021, that an estimated 49% of college students confessed to owning a false ID at some point during their time as an undergraduate. Underage possession and consumption of alcohol is a common occurrence, and many students find themselves with ownership of a false ID despite the knowledge that its punishable with up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or a potentially more serious consequence if it is not an observed first offence. Of course, the possibility of being caught and prosecuted for this level misdemeanor is relatively unlikely, however with increased police presence students may become apprehensive on fear of getting caught with a false ID—which, in turn, could reduce attendance to the aforementioned bar.  

While partying has become such an innate part of the “real” college experience through the persistence of college life as portrayed through media representation, the culture surrounding New Orleans exacerbates this, almost indefinitely. New Orleans has such a deep-rooted history with partying and alcohol consumption, due to the revenue generated from tourism predominantly within the French quarter, it’s even reflected in the city’s legislation. New Orleans is one of few cities that allows citizens to carry and consume alcohol openly on the street, as this is grounds for citation many other places in the country. Along with open consumption of alcohol, the legal drinking age in New Orleans is only 18 years old if a parent or person 21+ is present. These factors mixed with the very heavy emphasis New Orleans places on being a party city with a night life scene creates a culture that identifies drinking and going to great lengths to poses alcohol as somewhat of a necessity to enjoy oneself, especially on college campuses.  

Not even a full block west of the Tulane University Library lives The Boot, where sober thoughts and common sense alike go to die. An immensely popular choice amongst Tulane students, especially Tulane first-years, in part due to the convenience of being the closest bar in proximity to campus, but also setting the age restriction to 18+ instead of the standard 21+. Upon the completion of the Station on Broadway, concern started to rise amongst the Tulane student body, as to how it could affect night life and potentially deter underage students from using their false ID within such proximity to a campus police station.  

The general consensus of The Boots’ new neighbor is largely unknown; however, some students have rather strong feelings about its presence. Lucas, a Tulane first-year on his way to attend Pitcher Night last Thursday expressed “I honestly think its super annoying that they decided to build it right across from The Boot, almost like they wanna watch us or some shit. Either way tho I just got fucked by my calc midterm, so looks like it’s time to forget.” which was a sentiment that was shared by 4 other students, ranging from freshman to junior year, all feeling as though they should be compensated for their hard weeks work. Lucas expressed concern with the possibility of potential university repercussions upon being caught with a false ID, “If I get caught, that would be shitty, but honestly if they crack down ill just pregame at home.”  

The working paradigm seems to be shifting to less ordering of drinks at the actual bar, and instead just going for the scene, music, and people. An official statement was provided by The Boot Management Staff about their concern surrounding the new police station and the potential added surveillance that could come with its construction.  

“No, we welcome the Tulane Police station across the street from our businesses and do not have concerns with its construction or location. We have a great working relationship with Tulane University and the Tulane Police Department, and it is not of our belief that the station is designed or intended to impact our business negatively. We take the safety of our customers and employees extremely seriously, and we bring in our own detail officers for all busy shifts and major events, so an increased police presence in the area is a tremendously positive thing for us, the Tulane community, and the surrounding neighborhood.” 

-Boot Management Staff

While it is unknown how this station’s presence may affect long-term Boot attendance and revenue, one thing remains certain– the freshmen have already made The Boot a staple in their weekend routine, with the primary goal being to forget.