Author: Jennifer Shapland
It's Friday night, and you walk up to the door of your favorite social house to find a long line of like-minded fellow students already tapping their party shoes impatiently against the pavement. "What's going on?" you inquire toward the crowd. A frustrated chorus of responses indicates there is some sort of invite-only list waiting at the door with a Sharpie-wielding bouncer behind it to keep out the riff-raff. Why the sudden exclusivity at your usually welcoming weekend hang-out? "The new liquor inspector" seems to be held responsible. Assuming that you haven't made the list, you wonder as you trudge back to your residence hall just who this liquor inspector is, and why he is here. The Middlebury Campus asked liquor inspector Mike Davidson just these questions.
The Middlebury Campus: You have become a bit of a legend around campus already. Everyone wants to know who you are, why you are here and whether they are going to run into you outside he door of one of the social houses. Can you explain how you came to be "the man behind the guest lists"? How have stricter regulations on campus coincided with your entry as the new investigator of the state department of liquor control?
Mike Davidson: I work as an investigator with the Vermont Department of Liquor Control. Middlebury is one of the areas I am assigned to, along with Rutland and areas of New York. My job description is pretty broad, but my department oversees three main processes: enforcement of alcohol laws and regulations, overseeing liquor licenses and public education about existing laws and regulations. I deal mostly with local establishments, retailers and bars that hold liquor licenses in my assigned areas. Additionally, I work with college and high school campuses toward compliance with underage drinking regulations.
As for the guest lists, they are nothing new here at the College. I have been told that the list policy has existed for several years prior to my arrival. This year, the guest lists are being used more diligently than in past years. It is the mission of my department and my goal as an investigator to educate citizens pre-enforcement. In all cases, we try to be proactive by informing people about the nature of the laws and regulations. If, once informed, they choose not to follow these laws, then enforcement becomes necessary. Last year, I came to Middlebury and met with the administration and the student government officers to delineate the existing laws and regulations regarding liquor in the state of Vermont and specifically in the Middlebury area. From there, I worked with the students and administrators to identify what areas and practices on campus are not functioning lawfully. After understanding what parts of Middlebury College are lacking as far as state liquor regulations are concerned, we worked to fine tune existing campus policies to work towards greater compliance with Vermont state laws. As I mentioned, the guest lists are one solution employed by the school that is being implemented more attentively this fall due to the decisions made from our discussions last year.
The guest lists are required for individuals on campus who hold parties at which alcohol will be served. Vermont state law allows for alcohol to be served in a domicile, or a non-public place of residence, without a license. The problem with open parties is that they violate the domicile clause by opening a location to the general public. A location that is open to the public and serving alcohol requires a liquor license through the state. By outlining what common areas will serve as a domicile here on the Middlebury campus, whether within residence halls or social houses, and establishing these in writing, each student at enrollment agrees to a contract binding that individual to the agreed-upon domicile. For more information regarding the domicile clause, see Section 61: Restrictions and Exceptions of Vermont Statutes, Title 7.
The Campus: Why did you choose to work for the State Department of Liquor Control in Vermont? Are you a native Vermonter? What other jobs did you have that prepared you for this one?
MD: I am a native Vermonter, one of the few left it seems! I have 17 years of law enforcement experience so far in a variety of positions. I have worked under the sheriff, for the municipal police and also spent 10 years working at Castleton College in Vermont. For the past three and a half years I have held my position as an investigator for the Vermont Department of Liquor Control. Having worked at a college previously, I consider myself to have a good amount of experience with underage drinking and alcohol issues. As I mentioned, as an investigator I try to be proactive with the areas and businesses I oversee. I would never arrest anyone simply for the sake of making an arrest. I employ a mixture of education and enforcement to achieve the goals set by my department.
The Campus: What does your position as an investigator of the state department of liquor control of Vermont entail?
MD: My work routine changes every day, which is one of my favorite aspects of the job. I personally supervise 230 licenses for bars, restaurants, stores, supermarkets and other businesses that serve or sell alcohol. Middlebury College holds multiple licenses of this nature. In monitoring licenses, I make sure that the license holders are staying within compliance with Vermont state liquor laws and regulations. Most of the time, I field questions from license holders and enforce actions when necessary at these places of business. I occasionally participate in the public education aspect of my department by conducting seminars for license holders or visiting schools in my designated areas, but there are three other investigators in my department devoted solely to the purpose of public education. Like I said, my job description is very broad, and my assignments and schedule changes on a daily basis to accommodate the businesses whose licenses I oversee.
The Campus: What do you do specifically for Middlebury College?
MD: Primarily I work with Middlebury College to oversee the licenses held here. The Juice Bar in the student center holds a liquor license, along with all of the dining services on campus for their catering practices. I try to work with students and administrators on campus to bring the community of Middlebury into compliance with the existing liquor laws.
The Campus: When, if ever, are you actually on campus?
MD: I spend time on campus on a need-basis. Often I am called in and will come to Middlebury for a reactive purpose, but I also have scheduled times to be on campus to monitor the licenses held. With so many different types of licenses to oversee in my area, I have to work a flexible schedule, rather than the typical eight-to-five of most state employees.
The Campus: What other changes can students expect to see over the coming semesters and beyond?
MD: Overall, Middlebury College has done a good job so far at addressing primary concerns. As an investigator, I do not foresee any future changes as long as the current policies on campus go as planned. I have met with the SGA and they seem to be on top of things, and asked good questions to help solve any issues that have already arisen here on campus. On the whole, this is a learning process for everyone. Middlebury enrolls a large number of out-of-state and international students who may not be aware of the laws and regulations established here in Vermont. It is part of my job to make sure everyone is on the same page.
It is my hope that students will see me on campus, and approach me open-armed. I am here to help. I don't like excess paperwork, and I especially don't like to see young people go through the civil or criminal process. I want to work with students so it never happens. Let me help prevent unnecessary enforcement with ideas and suggestions from the student body and administrators.
Davidson the champagne of inspectors? New liquor inspector attempts to assuage student concerns
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