By Tim Ayers
Associate Editor

Beginning last Thursday, Jan. 29, the Den introduced a new “Social Hour” in an attempt to attract more members of the Bates community to gather after outside of school hours. Open to students, faculty, and staff, this new program will be offered every Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 7:00.

In order to attract students, the Den decided to sell beer in the afternoon, as well as have an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet. They have two kinds of beer, Coors Light and Killian’s Irish Red, priced at a little more than $2 a glass, with the buffet at $3. On Thursday, the buffet consisted of several Italian pasta dishes, and Friday featured a pizza buffet. Entertainment is also offered; Thursday a live band played and Friday there was a board game complete with Superbowl trivia.

According to an email from Dining Services Director Christine Schwartz, the “Social Hour” replaced Pub Night, which previously took place on Friday and Saturday nights and was not well attended. Schwartz called the afternoon activities “a designated time and space on campus where students, faculty and staff can come together in a relaxed atmosphere.” While the Den is still open Friday and Saturday nights, they no longer check IDs at the door or serve beer.

Around dinnertime on Thursday, the Den was about half full, with several tables of students, a table of professors, and a table of physical department staff. While the pasta was available, the more popular option seemed to be either eating at Commons and then going down to the Den, or just bringing the free dining hall food down to eat with a beer. Several students commented on the benefits of being able to have a beer with the Thursday night chicken tenders.

“It was great being able to have a buzz before doing my Thursday night homework,” said senior Paul Brunetti.




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