Campus Bar Proposal

Proposal for campus bar 1

A proposal to establish a campus bar at Texas A&M University at Galveston. 'Java the Hut ' is the campus coffee shop located in the library. It is the only place on campus that provides a leisure setting to sit and relax, or any social benefits. It is beneficial to 850 students living in the campus residence halls and 350 students living in the neighboring University Apartments. However, limited operation hours restrict the benefits the coffee shop provides to students. Student satisfaction and appeal are not being enhanced with the absence of a social outlet. Proposing a university-run campus bar will create a social environment where alcohol is provided, catering to students, faculty and staff, to promote the responsible use of alcohol, generates revenue and creates jobs for students in a controlled atmosphere. It can reduce drinking after driving incidents.

Market Opportunity for Texas A&M Twenty percent of students living on campus are over 21. (Golemo, 2011) Forty percent of students living in the University Apartments are of drinking age. The average age of the student population is 21. With the number of students living on campus increasing from 850 to 1000, the increasing number of off-campus residences available on Pelican Island, and the rapid growth of graduate students and programs available, the average age of the student body is expected to increase further to 23.

The number of students likely to make use of the drinking services provided, the economic purchasing power, and demand for a campus bar makes it a viable market opportunity. The nearest pubs and bars are 10 miles from campus, requiring driving off Pelican Island for a drink. A bar on campus creates an opportunity for generating revenue. A lack of competition reduces the chances of reduction of business activity. With recent spikes in gas prices, a bar students can walk to on campus will ease the costs associated with driving.

Proposal for campus bar 2

University Benefit The campus bar will create an opportunity to promote responsible drinking. Students will be treated as adults, realizing the importance of responsible actions. They can order a beer, get a glass of wine and hang with their peers and professors. It will help foster a sense of community on campus. The bar will be operated by students, with job opportunities for three bartenders and one waitstaff. It will provide an experience of daily business activities through serving customers, book-keeping and marketing.

The University can realize $24,000 of revenue from sales margins each month, which may be reinvested to improve operations and facilities, encouraging sustainability and also reduce University budget strains. It will not rely on external funding for day-to-day operations.

Student-Body Benefit Student satisfaction and the social demands will be addressed. The social environment provided will generate added satisfaction amongst students. Besides lighten the burden of going off campus to socialize, students have the opportunity of remaining on campus and enjoying a few drinks with friends, meeting new people, and enjoying a bar atmosphere. It will improve networking within the student body between students who live on campus and, the University Apartments. This encourages mutual respect amongst students. With an increase in older students staying on campus, an added camaraderie will be felt in the campus environment. Through the presence of music, artwork and good company, the campus bar will provide a leisure setting to sit and relax after lectures and stress of exams. Playing host to music events where students can attend or perform at, it will be a forum for music and art shows. Informal student organized events such as theme nights, quizzes and karaoke sessions may be held on location. The added benefits of pool

Proposal for campus bar 3 tables and TV screens to catch the latest sporting action and popular daytime TV shows, will furthermore contribute to the satisfaction gained by students. Wine tasting, etiquette training, character building and other events aimed at facilitating personal development of students, can be organized and held at the bar.

Safety and Control In the previous school year, 27 students were victims of harassment and physical assault at local bars in Galveston (PFA 1). The safety and concerns of the University over its students are a priority. The operations of the campus bar will reflect the University 's safety regulations in accordance with alcohol laws enforced held by the state.

A safe haven for students, staff and faculty alike, the bar will provide a mutual benefit to all – users and operators. Reducing the number of students going to bars off-campus will decrease the number of incidences of students being attacked. A strict restriction permitting only University students, staff, and their registered guests will prevent the risk of such incidences occurring on campus. Campus Police will be present to monitor the safety, well-being and control of guests at the campus bar. Alcohol will only be served to students, staff and faculty members in possession of a University Identification card.

Between January and August this year, Campus Police have reported 29 driving after drinking incidents involving on-campus residents (PFA 2). On campus and within walking distance of Residence Halls and University Apartments, drinking after driving incidents will decrease.

Proposal for campus bar 4 Cost Implication Opening the bar will cost $30,000. The costs include procuring electronic equipment and furniture. No additional space will be created. The Hullaballoo residence hall lobby will be used. It is a central location, 5 minutes walking distance from all residence halls on campus. It is a brightly lit, airconditioned, 1000 square foot floor space with a high ceiling. The campus bar will not add to electricity costs as the lobby is lit and air-conditioned all year round.

Conclusion A university run campus bar will transform the campus to a “wet” campus, providing a social environment where alcohol is served will benefit students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University at Galveston. It will promote the responsible use of alcohol, generate revenue and create jobs for students in a controlled atmosphere, reducing driving after drinking incidents. It will also create an avenue for increased social networking and camaraderie amongst students and University staff alike. Personality development events organized at the campus bar will facilitate growth and development of students ' characters. With the purpose and functions of the campus bar well aligned with these points, please establish the bar, thereby transforming Mitchell campus to a “wet campus”.

Proposal for campus bar 5 References Golemo, Neil (2011) Personal communication PFA 1 PFA 2

References: Golemo, Neil (2011) Personal communication PFA 1 PFA 2