RYERSON PUTTING DATE RAPE DRUG ON TABLE

Ryerson has decided not to distribute coasters that test drinks for the
presence of date rape drugs. Test results conducted in Michigan, cast doubt
on their effectiveness on drinks, such as red wine, orange juice and drinks
mixed with milk.

A health promotion nurse, Allison Burnett, said the coasters, which change
colour when laced with a drug, such as GHB, will be used only for display
purposes and will not be given to students.

"We're using the coasters as a tool for discussion with regards to
heightening people's awareness with regards to date rape," Burnett said at
Ryerson's Alcohol Awareness day held in Jorgenson Hall last Thursday.

Controversy developed last week, when the accuracy of the coasters was
questioned. Some were worried that bar-hopping students would be given a
false sense of security.

Ryerson also used the day to bring attention to the problem of alcohol abuse.

"The overall goal of today is to increase students' awareness of alcohol
and responsible drinking," said Burnett.

While students walked the straight line, wearing beer goggles to give a
sober person the impression of being drunk and manoeuvered a wheelchair
around two garbage bins. They also stood on an x and tossed their cookies
into a bed pan.

And Burnett said it's a problem on virutally every campus across the country.

"You can go out and have a drink with your friends and have a good time,
that's a great way to connect with people," she said. "But you don't have
to get smashed in order to do that."

They served mocktails, a mixture of juices in a punch bowl that passersby
stopped to enjoy, when asked if they would serve it at a party, most agreed
they would.

"It would taste better with some liquor in it." joked Alex Korobchevsky, a
third-year computer science student.

Crystal Adair, RyeSAC's vice-president of student life said reaching
underage students on alcohol awareness is especially important.

"The double cohort is interesting," said Adair. "We've held sessions with
administration and pub staff (and) we've had two major lectures for
stakeholders, particularly for decision makers."

Adair said RyeSAC is looking at implementing wristbands or monitored
activities for underage students during events with alcohol.

"Can you be held accountable for drinking underage on campus? Of course you
can. Can you be expelled for it? Yes," she said.

There are also guidelines about being caught drinking in the Ram in the
Rye. The bar keeps your ID and you have to meet with them and retrieve it.
They also have sessions on safe drinking.

But that doesn't take care of the dozens of neighbourhood bars around campus.

Andrew Stoddart, manager of Mick E. Finn's pub, says he has seen the number
of underage drinkers increase.

"The door guys are aware of the situation and on a busy night like
Thursdays, they check everyone." Stoddart said.

He is not worried about next year's group of underagers yet, but there has
been talk about it.

"We're not cracking down on people but we are looking at next year now.
It's suprising how many people will give you an ID showing that they're
underage and think somehow we're going to let them in," he said.