How dry it is.

The new legal drinking age of 20 went into effect at 2 a.m. Monday as freshmen and sophomores partied well into the morning.

But since then, in many bars business has only trickled, even though some of them are not yet demanding picture identification.

The Hong Kong has had no trouble with underage persons trying to sneak in, but it has been very careful" in checking ID's by generally accepting only Massachusetts drivers' licenses or Liquor Purchase Identification cards. Mary Lee, co-owner of the bar, said.

The Casablanca will give its patrons more time to obtain the cards, but underage drinkers have been trying to get in. James E. Scott, a bartender, said.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles has issued 360 liquor identification cards at its Boston branch since April 12. The cards, which cost $5, fog if they are tampered with.

Harvard has cancelled happy hours and is insisting students check for either the liquor identification cards or Massachusetts drivers' licenses at public parties on campus where beer or wine is served.

Whether students follow these directives is another matter. Some Houses are holding entryway parties--at which alcohol is served--rather than happy hours.

Archie C. Epps III, dean of students, said he does not expect any difficulty with the new ruling, since the University would be taking a risk to permit students to drink illegally. "We are not prepared to take any risks," Epps said.