Associated Student Government and Norris University Center officials called Fall Quarter’s Norris bar night a success and plan to have similar events in the future, despite lower-than-expected attendance.

The event, which took place Dec. 5, drew about 130 people to the Gathering Place, near Willie’s Food Court, said Bill Johnston, executive director of Norris. The event included food, music, dancing and, of course, plenty to drink.

ASG Campus Public Relations Chairwoman Noora Lori said that although the event’s timing was not perfect, having a bar night during Reading Week also had its advantages.

“It was nice to have it during Reading Week,” said Lori, a Weinberg sophomore. “It gave people time to relax. Most people were in sweats and jeans. We didn’t have as many people as we wanted, but we’re really happy with it anyway.”

Johnston said non-ASG-sponsored bar nights held at Norris during the year normally draw about 300 people.

Unlike other bar nights, ASG’s event was the first to include students younger than 21, which required increased security measures.

In order to be admitted, students were asked to present their WildCARDs and a government-issued photo ID to a SodexhoUSA employee. Their ages were then double checked using a birthday list provided by the registrar. Students older than 21 were issued a wristband that allowed them to purchase alcohol.

“People were very careful (of underage drinking) all night,” said ASG City Council liaison and Weinberg junior John Hughes. “There was little or no chance for someone to circumvent the system.”

At least one person did try to illegally obtain alcohol, Johnston said. She was asked to leave, and the rest of the night went on without incident, he said.

But Johnston said some students who were of age still decided to spend the evening sober.

“What was neat was that there were some students over 21 who chose not drink,” he said.

Plans for future bar nights sponsored by ASG largely will be determined both by student feedback and by negotiations with university administrators.

“What we’re trying to do is experiment and hopefully get the university to commit to regular bar activities,” said Hughes, a former Daily Forum editor and board member for Students Publishing Co., which oversees The Daily. “Based on student reaction, (ASG) and the administration will make a decision on the future.”

One of the primary goals for both the December event and for future bar nights is to encourage community building. Lori said that she thinks bar nights for people 18 and older can bring students from diverse backgrounds together.

“The thing with bar nights is some people want to hang out or just dance, with no intention of drinking,” Lori said, “We want the events to be a place where everyone on campus — not just seniors and half the junior class — can come together. These are steps to building community.”