But even first-years who can get in are thinking twice about frequenting an establishment whose red-and-white electric sign serves as a bullseye for city and state investigators, especially now that four of the students caught in the ABCC sting will face the Administrative Board next week.
"Because I have heard that the Grille has become significantly more strict within the last couple of weeks," writes one female first-year, "I haven't even tried to go--not wanting my ID to get confiscated, or worse, get caught in another bust. Plus, it seems that most freshmen are feeling similarly, so there is less and less reason to go if no one will be there."
A Premature Epigraph?
According to Rafferty, the Grille attracts an older crowd during the day that has included construction workers, and that major sporting events lure fans of all ages to watch games.
"He's never complained to me about his business," Rafferty says. "The challenge for him is to combat that perception [publicized in the Unofficial Guide]. His future success will depend on that. Because there is a role for the Crimson, where 21-year-old students should be able to go."