Get down, keep the party alive

Students have a good time while controlling noise, craziness

Nothing breaks up a party quicker than a police officer knocking on a door.

Noise is the biggest problem when it comes to MSU partying, East Lansing police Capt. Kim Johnson said.

“Mainly, it’s too loud,” he said. “The way the (noise) ordinance reads, anytime a neighbor is being disturbed, they can call the police. It’s best to tell your neighbors you’re having a party and keep the party small.”

Johnson added that noise complaints are less frequent during the winter because people tend to stay inside. In the fall, when many students are new to the city and on the streets trying to find parties, there are more violations, he said.

Being knowledgeable about East Lansing’s laws is important if you are throwing a party.

For instance, it’s not illegal to have a keg, but it is illegal to charge for cups or entrance without a liquor license, said Asmait Tewelde, ASMSU legal services director.

It’s best not to have a common source of alcohol, she added.

Little mistakes can mean the difference between a great night and a hefty fine. Stay off public property, such as sidewalks, and stay on a front porch, Johnson said.

Sometimes students look for ways around the rules.

Last year, accounting sophomore Sarah Ghesquiere’s Armstrong Hall floormates came up with some slang to avoid getting in trouble for dorm-room partying.

“We had a girl on our floor who got written up when a (mentor) heard someone saying ‘Take that shot’ through the door,” Ghesquiere said. “From then on, nobody said anything about drinking. Instead of, ‘What are you drinking tonight?’ people asked ‘What are you poopin’ tonight?’”

If the police do make an appearance, it’s best to cooperate and tell the truth, Tewelde said.

“During tailgate season, we had quite a few problems with students false IDing,” she said. “They’d give fake names or fake ages to the police.”

It’s also helpful to demonstrate some order and responsibility, especially if it is your party, Johnson said.

“One of the most frustrating parts for the police is when we show up to a party and nobody knows who’s in charge,” he said.

Johnson suggested designating a sober host to meet the officers in case things do get out of hand.

Sometimes students call the police on their own event, he added.

“The people hosting the party can call the cops for help clearing people out or quieting things down,” Johnson said. “We take our hats off to them.”

He said if a host calls the police, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will be ticketed.

Tewelde said the most common party-related charges ASMSU legal services deals with are minor in possession and noise violations. ASMSU provides free legal counseling for MSU students.

ASMSU is MSU’s undergraduate student government.

The service’s attorneys cooperate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced to civil infractions, Tewelde said. ASMSU lawyers only can help if the student pleads not guilty, she said.

Published on Sunday, January 27, 2008