In case the weekly UPUA recap didn’t catch your eye today — which, if you’re a normal person, it didn’t — this headline probably did.

Student Body President Courtney Lennartz announced in her comments for the good of the order at last night’s meeting that she met with members of the Tavern Association earlier this week, and that downtown bars will NOT close on State Patty’s Day this year despite her request.

Last year, former President TJ Bard led a State Patty’s Day Task Force to combat the destructiveness of the holiday, and managed to convince many downtown bars to close for the day.

Lennartz cited the fact that downtown bars lost over $100,000 on State Patty’s Day last year by not opening. Were they really surprised?

“[The State College Tavern Association] said that the bar scene on State Patty’s Day isn’t much different than how it is on football weekends,” Lennartz told the Daily Collegian. “They also have the ability to decline people to enter if they appear to be too intoxicated.”

Despite UPUA’s noble position on this issue, it might actually be beneficial for bars to stay open for students to drink in a controlled environment. I’d rather have students downing Cafe teas or Big Azz Margaritas from Mad Mex than guzzling copious amounts of Vlad at an apartment party, which would inevitably happen if it was the only option.

(Update Nov 15 3:37 p.m.): According to a representative from the Tavern Association, President Lennartz actually met with members of the Tavern Association independently rather than the entire organization, as was implied.