A residence hall tavern as a collegiate alcohol abuse prevention activity

An alcohol abuse prevention program used community organization to install an experimental tavern in a university residence hall. Upperclass students enrolled in a course on alcohol education managed the tavern as a vehicle to increase resident participation in alcohol abuse prevention activities. Baseline and follow-up surveys assessed consumption levels, problem frequencies and attitudes about alcohol use. Attendance was high at project events. Students increased their use of nonalcoholic beverages, altered their perceptions of heavy drinking and drinking and driving, and saw the program as improving residence hall parties. Beer, wine and liquor consumption did not change as a result of the program. Similarly, self-reports of problems including hangover, drinking and driving, noise and litter were not influenced. Program goals that attempt to formally modify per capita alcohol consumption were discussed.