Essentially, Hula’s Bar and Grill was just promoting business like any other bar not affiliated with Sacramento State would do. Their advertising campaign displayed sexy graphics and drink specials gaining the bar newfound popularity among students.

Hula’s had a vision. Unfortunately, they forgot to keep Sac State’s alcohol policy in mind with that vision. The policy set standards, but failed to mention any recourse toward the infraction. With no recourse though, the policy can’t command much obedience, especially when unsanctioned alcohol drinking is allowed at specific sporting events.

Last month, Hula’s Bar and Grill appeared to have violated rules set by California State University system Executive Order 966. The policy sets strict measures on the sale of alcoholic beverages. For Sac State, this means a three-drink maximum. The incorporation of “clear language” that would “encourage only responsible and legal use of alcoholic beverages,” is also required. Advertising wouldn’t be allowed to promote “drink specials,” either.

Here’s the rub though: Policy seems to turn a blind eye to the tailgating that happens during Sac State football games where alcohol consumption is still monitored by campus police. Alcohol isn’t limited, but tailgating is limited to only football games on campus. This doesn’t justify the double-standard, but it does illustrate the imprecision of the policy.

Hula’s was allowed by the campus alcohol advisory committee representing the CSU system to publish the ads as long as they changed them within two weeks of the original advertisement’s publication. If the CSU system is going to take this matter seriously, they need to be clear in their policy recourse. So what’s to stop Hula’s from not continuing with their behavior?

Reggie Leipsic, owner of Hula’s Bar and Grill, told The Hornet they hadn’t ignored the policy – they were just acting off what the advisory committee had said.

Hula’s took its freedom of having an alcohol license to a plateau it could not rest on. The bar wanted to be like any other bar. Owners may have forgotten they were still at Sac State. What they need to do is take a page out of the University Union Round Table’s book. Round Table’s been able to get by like any other eatery that offers alcohol: Represent good food and a nice atmosphere.

People go to these places with alcohol as an added plus. It’s not the main motivation, unlike tailgating may be. You’ll never hear someone go, “Hey let’s go to Round Table, the beer’s great there.”

Hula should offer good specials on good food. People would rather have quality food and a nice atmosphere over some one-trick-pony drink gimmick any day.

The State Hornet Staff can be reached at [email protected].