According to Adrian M. Wall '03, one of the student promoters, the large turnout of Harvard students helped make the night a success.

"It went excellently," Wall said. "I overheard everyone saying they had a great time, even if they had to wait outside. It shows that it's a great time, and people should go to Paradise to party."

Paradise and M-80, two of Boston's more well-established nightclubs, reopened this weekend after losing their operating licenses in March.

The Boston Licensing Board took away the clubs' license for repeated overcrowding, serving alcohol to minors and for blocking emergency exits. A provision in the revocation allowed for the reopening of the clubs under new management after six months.

Three Harvard graduates made preliminary agreements to purchase the clubs, but the deal fell through. Instead, Patrick Lyons, who owns several other Boston nightclubs, took over operation of Paradise and M-80.

Because of common ownership, students can get their names on VIP guest lists at Paradise, M-80 or one of several other clubs on Lansdowne Street, Houston said. Being on a guest list entitles clubbers to discounted admission and usually shorter lines.

Paradise isn't the only club to hire Harvard students as promoters.