By Sean Carney

Contributing Writer

OXFORD — Authorities are already prepping for the annual celebration by Miami University students known as Green Beer Day, which is Thursday.

Authorities are warning bars about seving alcohol to minors and planning to have extra police officers on patrol throughout the day. Oxford Police Sergeant Gregory Moore said the department treats Green Beer Day like a Friday night, but with an even greater police presence.

“We definitely have some extra manpower out there,” Moore said. “We have the night shift officers stay on late and have the day shift officers come in early to make sure we have extra guys on duty.”

Moore also warned bars against serving minors on a day that he says “celebrates excess.”

“It is the responsibility of the bars to make sure that no underage students are served any kind of alcohol.” Moore said. “Due to regulations, it is definitely in their best interest to refrain from doing so.”

Green Beer Day starts early, as bars like Skipper’s and Brick Street serve beer dyed green starting at 5 a.m.

Originally started in 1952, Green Beer Day is rooted in tradition. It started after the academic calendar was changed in the 1970s, which effectively scheduled Miami’s spring break over St. Patrick’s Day. Students responded by creating their own holiday, naming it Green Beer Day and scheduling it for the Thursday before spring break