Recently, The Spectrum carried an article informing us that UB is seeking a state liquor license to sell alcohol at sporting events in the UB Stadium. I am writing this letter to state that this is an incredibly misguided decision on the part of UB and that they should abandon this effort.
Not everyone is going to like hearing this, but alcohol is a toxic substance that is damaging to the mental and physical health of its users. Any level of alcohol use is on some level damaging. It produces a variety of illnesses, with its more extreme results including brain damage, organ failure and several forms of cancer. It would be irresponsible of the university to sanction the sale of harmful substances at its events.
If the university begins selling alcohol at sporting events, it would contribute to the growth of a drinking culture, which serves to normalize and promote drinking, and brings a variety of social, medical and economic damages to our communities. The university should strive to promote the positive development of its students and community members, not practices that harm and destroy far too many. Alcohol sales would invite increased public disturbance, drunk driving and crime. Scientific studies have shown that alcohol consumption impairs the part of the brain that controls violent impulses and that areas that sell alcohol statistically see higher rates of violent crime. In addition, alcohol is also the number one drug involved in sexual assaults. In a time when the Kavanaugh hearings have brought increased attention to the dark elements of drinking culture, the need for public institutions to disassociate themselves with the drinking culture is even clearer.
With this stated, I would call on the University at Buffalo to reverse its misguided decision. The administration should withdraw its liquor license application and commit to alcohol-free sporting events. The administration may think that allowing alcohol sales may attract more people to its events. But I will say that if they do so, they will alienate people who appreciate the alcohol-free environment, and will likely lose some of its attendance. In fact, I myself intend to not attend any sporting event at UB stadium until UB reverses its decision and commits to alcohol-free sporting events. And I would encourage members of the UB community to contact the administration and encourage them UB Stadium should keep a policy against alcohol sales.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Makeley, history student
