SGA backs revoking Turtle’s license

The SGA will testify against Thirsty Turtle in liquor board hearings, recommending the bar's license to sell alcohol be revoked, following a contentious debate and a close vote at last night's meeting.

Student Government Association legislators said Turtle has proven itself to be a threat to the public health of the university community over the past three years, because students frequently drink too much there.

"The student body won't stand for you taking years away from our lives because of your dirty business," said Matthew Bernstein, the business legislator who proposed the bill. He said the bill was prompted more by the bar's history of allegedly serving underage patrons than by this month's stabbing incident.

The SGA adopted the measure 14-9, with three members abstaining.

SGA members who opposed Bernstein's bill said if Turtle goes under, students could resort to more dangerous drinking options, such as isolated house parties. Outlying commuter legislator Brendan Cusack said Turtle is being used as a convenient target for the reality of pervasive underage drinking in College Park.

"I think the benefit of having the Thirsty Turtle is that it gives us a name to always blame," Cusack said.

Others legislators added that the SGA should try to echo the mood of the student body.

"I seriously question whether our constituents are in favor of supporting this bill," freshman legislator Rachel Burke said.

"Do you care if your constituency likes you, or if they're healthy?" Bernstein responded.

University Police Chief David Mitchell, who has been one of the most vocal opponents of Turtle since three underage students were knifed nearby Oct. 12, attended the meeting to speak in support of Bernstein's bill.

Mitchell said Turtle is one of the biggest causes of overconsumption of alcohol in College Park.

"They're not the only problem; they're the primary problem," Mitchell said.

But some legislators said another problematic bar would almost certainly appear in place of Turtle on Route 1 if the liquor board were to shutter that bar, and many students agreed.

"I just think it's pointless; as soon as Turtle goes away, something else will sprout up in its place," said junior Japanese and international business major Shabaab Kamal.

"I think it will be more dangerous. I think people will go to the bars whether or not Turtle's there," freshman Jewish studies major Erica Burgess said, pointing to the overcrowding that could occur at the other College Park bars.

Another argument against the bill was that it would take away a venue for legal drinkers.

"I graduated already, but I like Turtle; I just think it's the most fun bar," 22-year-old alumnus Simran Kaushal said.

Now that the SGA has cast its support, Bernstein said he plans to personally attend the upcoming Prince George's County Board of License Commissioners hearings Nov. 3 and Nov. 10 to present the SGA's position and to collaborate with university police to press the issue.

"I'm not against underage drinking," Bernstein said. "I think the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law."

meehan at umdbk dot com