Smokers kicked off Anniversary third floor balcony
Eloise Vallat
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: News
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BY ELOISE VALLAT
The third floor balcony in Anniversary Hall has been put under restriction. It now closes at 11 p.m. every night, weekends included, and does not open until 6 a.m. the next day.
This restriction was decided by David Bannister, the hall director, because of problems with smokers on the balcony. According to Bannister, while this zone is smoke-free, because it is considered "inside the building," it has become a favorite place for people to light a cigarette. This practice went too far when someone threw a cigarette butt over the balcony and caught part of the dry straw on the ground on fire.
"An e-mail was quickly sent to the all hall," Bannister said, "and we will discuss this issue in our next RA meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 24. There is a chance that the restriction will be reduced or retracted.
"The point is not to forbid people to access this place, but to make sure that there will not be further problems," said Bannister.
For special occasions, such as sporting events, people can ask the RA on-duty to open the balcony outside of the scheduled hours.
Residents from the hall do not express strong opinions on the topic, even if some think that the reaction of David Bannister was too strong and that cigarettes should be allowed on the balcony, as it is more outside than inside the building.
"It has three open air edges," one student stated. A request for an ashtray had even been made.
The balcony has been the major issue in Anniversary Hall this year beyond the smoking problem. Alcohol bottles and other trash have been found on this place. Furniture from within the lobby has also been moved outside the building and left for extended periods. These issues are being addressed as well.
The third floor balcony in Anniversary Hall has been put under restriction. It now closes at 11 p.m. every night, weekends included, and does not open until 6 a.m. the next day.
This restriction was decided by David Bannister, the hall director, because of problems with smokers on the balcony. According to Bannister, while this zone is smoke-free, because it is considered "inside the building," it has become a favorite place for people to light a cigarette. This practice went too far when someone threw a cigarette butt over the balcony and caught part of the dry straw on the ground on fire.
"An e-mail was quickly sent to the all hall," Bannister said, "and we will discuss this issue in our next RA meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 24. There is a chance that the restriction will be reduced or retracted.
"The point is not to forbid people to access this place, but to make sure that there will not be further problems," said Bannister.
For special occasions, such as sporting events, people can ask the RA on-duty to open the balcony outside of the scheduled hours.
Residents from the hall do not express strong opinions on the topic, even if some think that the reaction of David Bannister was too strong and that cigarettes should be allowed on the balcony, as it is more outside than inside the building.
"It has three open air edges," one student stated. A request for an ashtray had even been made.
The balcony has been the major issue in Anniversary Hall this year beyond the smoking problem. Alcohol bottles and other trash have been found on this place. Furniture from within the lobby has also been moved outside the building and left for extended periods. These issues are being addressed as well.
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