Even though selling beer in the University of Wisconsin Unions and student centers is a familiar sight, it is not seen as widespread throughout the country as it is in Wisconsin.

Only a select number of universities sell beer in their student centers.

Students can walk into the UW-Platteville’s “Pioneer Haus” or Stevens’ Point’s “Basement Brewhaus” and order a cold one, but this is not a familiar sight in places like the University of Kentucky or University of Vermont, along with many other universities around the country.

Publicist for the Memorial Union, Marc Kennedy, admitted that not all campuses sell beer, but did say in his recent survey to university union directors that about one hundred serve beer.

Among some of those “wet” unions are Colorado State University’s “Ramskellar.”

The Ramskellar, however, only has a license for 3.2 percent beer. Ramskellar manager Geoff Valdez wishes he had a higher license.

“Fort Collins (where CSU is) is known as the micro-brew capital of the world, and those beers are favorites among students.”

He said the Ramskellar is constantly changing, but to receive a higher liquor license some new state legislation would have to be passed.

Valdez said students see the booze-privilege as a luxury.

“Students appreciate [having] a beer between classes,” Valdez said.

Kennedy said it is not just the eligible drinkers of the Union that get to enjoy the Rathskellar or Terrace.

“The Rathskellar and the Terrace make a great atmosphere for students of all ages,” Kennedy said.

He said one complaint about many venues in Madison is that students under 21 normally cannot get into bars or clubs to enjoy a concert or band, but at the Union a 21-year-old student can go with his underage friends and enjoy a beer.

“One of the great memories that resonate for (alumni) is hanging out at the terrace having a beer on a spring day,” Kennedy said.

One of the only complaints that Kennedy hears about the Union’s beer service is the reapplication of having to pay a dollar deposit for pitchers of beer.

Even though drinking may be a big draw for many students, both Valdez and Kennedy emphasized that it is not the sole attraction.

“Beer only counts for about 35 percent of our sales,” Valdez said. “Students get food and [soft drinks], too.”

“This is just one service out of many for students and faculty to enjoy at the union,” Kennedy said.

Pascal Roubaud, a 21-year-old history student, stated his satisfaction with the current system. “It doesn’t hurt anything,” Roubaud said while sipping a pilsner at the Rathskellar. “It’s controlled and they are strict about IDing people. The policy they have right now is good.”