News in Brief: Valhalla closed indefinitely
Issue date: 9/19/08 Section: News
Valhalla, Rice's graduate student pub, is closed indefinitely because of noncompliance with the dry campus policy that took effect during Hurricane Ike. Rice University Police Department Sergeant Carla Barnette said the pub violated alcohol restrictions that applied to the entire campus, which includes all graduate student institutions.
Valhalla manager David Fortunato said he could not comment on the matter, but that the official story was that the pub was closed for renovation.
The no-alcohol mandate began last Friday in preparation for Hurricane Ike and ended at noon Monday. The case is currently under review by the university, and the pub will remain closed until further notice, Barnette said.
Physics and astronomy graduate student Aramis Martinez said he was not aware Valhalla was closed or that Rice was declared a dry campus.
"As far as I know, there was no announcement on the [Graduate Student Association] listserv (about the alcohol restriction), so it would imply that no one knew," Martinez said.
Martinez considers Valhalla to be the central location for graduate students to socialize, acting as the equivalent to the undergraduate's use of the college commons.
"It would be a bad idea for it to remain closed for long because Valhalla is the main social center for grad students," Martinez said.
Rachel Carlson, Catherine Bratic, Cindy Dinh & Ariel Shnitzer
Valhalla manager David Fortunato said he could not comment on the matter, but that the official story was that the pub was closed for renovation.
The no-alcohol mandate began last Friday in preparation for Hurricane Ike and ended at noon Monday. The case is currently under review by the university, and the pub will remain closed until further notice, Barnette said.
Physics and astronomy graduate student Aramis Martinez said he was not aware Valhalla was closed or that Rice was declared a dry campus.
"As far as I know, there was no announcement on the [Graduate Student Association] listserv (about the alcohol restriction), so it would imply that no one knew," Martinez said.
Martinez considers Valhalla to be the central location for graduate students to socialize, acting as the equivalent to the undergraduate's use of the college commons.
"It would be a bad idea for it to remain closed for long because Valhalla is the main social center for grad students," Martinez said.
Rachel Carlson, Catherine Bratic, Cindy Dinh & Ariel Shnitzer
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Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
Dennis
posted 9/23/08 @ 11:53 AM CST
This is total garbage. If the university can close Valhalla, then what's next? NOD? Beer Bike?
Matt
posted 9/23/08 @ 5:25 PM CST
David Leebron's feelings towards Valhalla have long been known. Hopefully this is not the excuse he needs to close it down permanently.
Braden
posted 9/26/08 @ 1:45 PM CST
One has to wonder why the university is effectively punishing all Valhalla patrons and the graduate student community for the actions of a couple of students. (Continued…)
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posted 9/29/08 @ 12:53 PM CST
Ha that is a great name for a pub!
Mark
posted 9/29/08 @ 10:38 PM CST
I'm surprised the Valhalla situation has gotten so little press. I've added a few details not addressed in the newspaper article on my site; feel free to add any personal observations in the comments section there. (Continued…)
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