Friday’s inaugural gala, a mostly exclusive event, offered pre-concert and dessert receptions in between the concert and theater presentations, which included light hors d’oeuvres and pastries, as well as open bars serving anything from water and soda to champagne and mixed drinks. Beverages were available just about everywhere in the complex. Servers toted around trays of various drinks for guests to pluck off and actively offered them to anyone who didn’t already have one.

The abundance of alcohol was available not only to the trustees, administrators, and donors, however; it was also very accessible to students who were invited, including those under the age of 21. While the formal and open nature of the event did make controlling who drank mildly difficult, the fact is that the underage consumption caused the event to be in violation of the Institute’s policy on alcohol.

On the other hand, other events—particularly student-run parties and social gatherings—have seen this policy strictly enforced. Greek houses, in particular, have had to be very careful not to let such violations slip through the cracks. The bartenders’ non-enforcement of the policy at EMPAC is an unfortunate inconsistency that undermines the intents and effects of that very document.

While we are unlikely to see a celebration of this magnitude for many years to come, we do think that all future festivities, regardless of their sizes or origins, be held to the same set of standards. It is important for everyone to have a good time at all such events, and a uniform set of rules—and consistent enforcement—will go a long way in ensuring that can happen.