WKU to allow student bartenders at new pub

Carly Matthews

UPDATE: An email was released by SGA President Jay Todd Richey on Feb. 4 stating that Topper Grill and Pub will not be serving alcohol due to losing their licensing with Aramark. See the story here.

 

Hilltoppers looking for employment on campus can now apply to be a bartender at the Topper Grill and Pub.

Steve Hoyng, resident district manager at Aramark, said students will be allowed to bartend as long as they are properly licensed.

“As long as they have some sort of bartending license or certification and are of age, students are absolutely allowed to apply to bartend at the pub,” Hoyng said.

The pub staff will operate in the same style as Redzone with the addition of a bar and bartenders.

Although the pub will have a limited menu, selling only beer and wine in addition to the food options, this is an opportunity for students who have recently received their bartending licenses to become familiar with the job while in a low-stress environment, said sophomore Donald Kollai of Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

“I think it’s great that WKU is allowing students to do this,” Kollai said. “This gives students a chance to use their licenses without having to go through a restaurant where it could be months before they’re allowed behind the bar.”

Although abundant excitement surrounds the pub’s opening, students should remember it won’t be another Hilligans, Hoyng said.

“There won’t be pitchers of beer served; students won’t be able to come in asking for 10 beers for their table of friends in the outdoor area,” Hoyng said. “It’ll probably be a one beer per student rule.”

The new pub also holds very different hours compared to other bars around Bowling Green. Right now, the pub will close at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 4 p.m. on Fridays. The pub will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

However, Hoyng said these hours might change depending on the pub’s popularity.

“If we need to, we’ll definitely look at changing the hours around. These are just until we get a feel for the success of the pub, and if need be the hours can be altered,” Hoyng said.

The pub has already begun hiring some students but will continue to hire as the semester goes on.