Downtown San Luis Obispo bars have spurned a request from Cal Poly and Mayor Jan Marx to forego opening at 6 a.m. on the upcoming days of the university’s graduation ceremonies. [Mustang News]
For years Cal Poly students have participated in a tradition of drinking downtown with friends on the mornings of their graduation. Some parents, as well, join in the festivities.
On April 16, Marx and Cal Poly Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey wrote a letter to the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association asking that bars not serve alcohol until 9 a.m. on June 14 and 15, the day of Cal Poly’s upcoming graduation ceremonies. Marx and Humphrey argued student intoxication was overshadowing the ceremonies.
Downtown Association representatives met with the mayor and Cal Poly administrator on Tuesday but chose not to fulfill their request.
“Overall, we did not feel that closing bars at 6 a.m. was the correct approach to handling the situation,” said Kimberly Walker, chair of the Downtown Association’s food and beverage committee.
Walker said the organization instead agreed to collaborate with Marx and Humphrey on a campaign to educate students about responsibly celebrating graduation.
