Penn State to Introduce pilot program for sale of alcohol at University Park campus

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State has announced a new pilot program, 'PSBooze,' to expand the sale of alcohol to selected locations on the University Park campus, citing the need for new revenue streams as the university continues to grapple with its multimillion-dollar budget deficit, first reported in the summer of 2022.

The initiative, approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) and the Penn State Board of Trustees, will launch on April 4, with plans to expand to other campuses.

The university holds licenses to serve alcohol at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, Beaver Stadium, Pegula Ice Arena, the Penn State Golf Courses, and the Bryce Jordan Center. Under the initiative, PSBooze, alcohol can be purchased at all five campus markets—Louie’s Market, Market East, Market North, Market Pollock, and Market West.

Sales will be restricted to students of legal drinking age. Operating hours are from 7 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Payment will be accepted exclusively through LionCash to streamline transactions and enhance security. Students can expect a selection of popular beer and liquor brands priced competitively

Since the report of the budget deficit, Penn State has implemented deep cuts across various programs, including graduate programs such as the Millennium Scholars Program and Schreyer Honors College, as well as academic colleges such as Education, Engineering, and Nursing. Discussions regarding the potential closure of up to 12 Commonwealth campuses remain ongoing.

“This expansion of alcohol sales is part of a broader strategy,” said President Neeli Bendapudi. “As we continue to seek sustainable solutions to our financial challenges, it’s essential to explore all viable profit-making opportunities. PSBooze represents one step in our comprehensive plan to achieve a balanced budget by June 30, 2026.”

The announcement of PSUBooze has sparked mixed reactions among students and staff. Some have hailed it as one of the university's best decisions, expecting it to enhance campus life. Greek life communities, in particular, have expressed enthusiasm, with some planning to maximise the opportunity. However, others have voiced concerns about its potential negative impact on campus culture and academic focus.

Willard Preacher Gary Cattell, who has preached at Penn State for 43 years, voiced his disapproval, saying, “Alcohol and partying are distractions that divert students from their true purpose here. The university should be focusing on fostering academic and spiritual growth, not promoting more drinking and partying.”

Kirk French, an anthropology professor at Penn State who teaches a class called ”Booze and Culture,” noted that while alcohol is generally used responsibly, a small percentage of students take it to extremes. His advice to students: “Go out, have fun, but look out for each other.”

Penn State has long been known for its vibrant drinking culture, with high alcohol sales at Beaver Stadium and over 15 bars in downtown State College reflecting strong student demand. University officials believe that bringing alcohol sales onto campus will help address financial challenges while encouraging safer drinking habits and reducing risks such as impaired driving and alcohol-related incidents.

“By providing a controlled environment with enforced safety guidelines, we aim to reduce off-campus binge drinking and promote responsible consumption,” said a university spokesperson.

Alcohol sales will also not be permitted on Sundays, in alignment with the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and responsible social engagement. “Students need at least one day to revise and catch up on their schoolwork,” the spokesperson added.

While Penn State is permitting alcohol sales on campus, it is not endorsing increased consumption. The university will closely evaluate the pilot program's impact on both financial sustainability and student well-being before considering its expansion to other campuses

For more information about PSBooze, visit psbooze.psu.edu.

(This story was created as part of COMM 498 Humor in Journalism.)