Students and Oxonians alike celebrated the highly anticipated sales of cold beer in Oxford Thursday.
The Oxford Board of Aldermen voted 6-1 on Aug. 20 to remove a city ordinance clause allowing only room temperature beer and wine to be sold in the city, along with a Sunday sale moratorium.
Senior history major Matthew Janicke said he believes the change was long overdue.
“Cold beer doesn’t lead to irresponsible drinking, irresponsible people do,” Janicke said. “I think the new law puts Oxford in line with most of the country. I just feel bad for anyone in the bag ice industry. Sell, sell, sell.”
Similarly, senior public policy major Lindsay Krout questioned the allowance’s effects on sales in surrounding areas.
“I’m worried about the gas stations in Batesville,” Krout said. “I’m sure they made a killing selling cold beer to people coming into Oxford for games.”
Senior integrated marketing communications major George Bradley said he believes the change is for the better.
“I am really happy that they have decided to sell cold beer in Oxford,” Bradley said. “Being from the coast, where you can get cold beer seven days a week, you don’t think about having to buy your beer warm and early for events.”
Bradley pointed to the specific benefits of selling to visitors of Oxford within the city.
“Out-of-towners that are here for sporting events will be happy to buy beer that is cold and ready to drink.”
Not all businesses were ready to sell last night, however.
Notably, the Chevron off South Lamar, home of chicken on a stick, will not have everything ready for a couple weeks, as multiple businesses have entered orders for cooling units necessary for the sales.
Senior managerial finance major Tyler Kruse said that although it may appear to be a mere change in temperature, the importance cannot be overstated.
“I think it’s just sensible to sell cold beer in Oxford,” Kruse said. “If companies have the refrigeration storage for drinks, it only makes sense to include beers. It keeps the beer fresh and and improves the taste.”
