The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Oxford preparing for “green beer day”

Butler County Fair Results, Sunday, Aug. 1
New 21 min. ago
Medical helicopter on scene of College Corner Pike accident
12:29 p.m.
Local band to play some classics at music festival
11:17 a.m.
Children invited to learn from Miami football coach
10:39 a.m.
Community briefs
10:38 a.m.
> More headlines

E-mail this page

By Ariana Williams Contributing writer Updated 2:02 PM Monday, March 1, 2010

OXFORD— A daylong early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day – known as “green beer day” in Oxford – is approaching.

Green beer day is Thursday, March 4 this year, and Miami University officials and local police are ready for the day’s events.

“We’re going to do things much like we’ve done in the past,” said Miami University police Capt. Jason Willis. “From a police standpoint, we look to reduce irresponsible consumption of alcohol and encourage safe drinking.”

Miami University police plan to focus on high traffic areas with an emphasis on deterring disorderly behavior.

Oxford police will have extra officers on patrol, both plain-clothed and uniformed, in marked and unmarked cars, said Sgt. Jim Squance.

“We’re trying to cut down on negative alcohol activities,” Squance said.

Oxford and Miami police are also partnering with the Ohio Department of Liquor Control, who will also have people present on green beer day.

Recent years have been mostly calm, but green beer day has lead to major events in Oxford, including a student colliding with a train in five years ago.

Squance is hoping this year is just as calm as the past few.

“Safety is our biggest concern,” said Squance.

Squance is also concerned about Miami’s image since many partiers begin as early as 4 a.m. on Thursday, a day people will be going to work or going on with other routine activities. He also cautions that media will be in town.

“For the people who do participate, don’t do something stupid or make a spectacle of yourself to make the 6 o’clock news,” he said.

Squance said, despite rumors, Oxford police cannot stop a person Uptown for having green lips and the punishment for underage drinking is not worse on green beer day.

“We can’t change the law,” he said.

According to Miami, the provost will be e-mailing teachers this week, encouraging them to hold students to attendance regulations and not put up with intoxicated people in class.

The university also provides advice and regulations for safe alcohol consumption, although this is provided year-round.

Share this article

ADD COMMENT

Comments feed

If you are so opposed to college students and their drinking habits, why do you live in Oxford. I think the students should boycott angry locals.

Wish I Was Drinking
9:34 AM, 3/4/2010

REPORT ABUSE

college kids drink every day of the year theyre here, who was dumb enough to make a holiday for it?? every school day they walk in the middle of the road texting talking, they get trashed every week day regardless what the occasion is, who designated a day for the rest of the town to act like care free college kids???? now the whole town will be as out of hand as the college students are. been here for years but soon people will run out of reasons to get drunk hahaha not maimi students!

sobercrank
4:32 PM, 3/2/2010

REPORT ABUSE

Green Beer Day is an awesome time, if you don't like stay home!!

Green Beer!
2:53 PM, 3/2/2010

REPORT ABUSE

i have enough trouble avoiding the deer that run amuck; now, i have to look out for drunkned students? look out kids, i'm comin' through.

SHUNKOLA
8:50 PM, 3/1/2010

REPORT ABUSE

It's a big drunken Oxford party promoted by town businesses that sell liquor, food, T-shirts, and related items, & unofficially sanctioned by Miami University. If there were ever a major incident and Miami is embarrassed, the party will it. Up to the point where Beer Day causes significant issues for residents I have no problem with Green, Blue, or Red Beer Day. In the matter of a drunk of any age damaging my home, property, or family I would pursue to the full extent of civil and criminal law.

Let's call it what it is
8:01 PM, 3/1/2010

REPORT ABUSE

There is 1 additional comment

SHOW ALL

We welcome your comments. Please remember this is a public forum and behave appropriately. Your comments must conform to our visitor's agreement.