TU/e students who attended the Intro were consistently told by their Intro moms and dads that no alcohol was allowed before 4:30 PM. It was apparent that the alcohol policy was thoroughly instilled in the moms and dads, as almost everyone adhered to the rule, with just a few exceptions.

The start of Purple, as Fontys’ introduction week is officially called, is a stark contrast. Early in the afternoon, the terrace at Hubble is already full. Fontys students enrolled in technical programs have been given a list of tasks to complete. The Intro moms and dads claim to be setting a good example by buying a round of drinks for their Intro kids.

Policy known

They are well aware that drinking beer before 4 PM is not allowed. “‘It says that Fontys can’t serve alcohol,” one of the Intro dads knows. “But Hubble is pouring beer for us anyway. As members of student association Innovum, we get a discount. That goes for every member, but most students aren’t members yet so we show our card.”

The moms with whom he guides a group of 17 students through Purple think they should teach their kids what an “Eendje” (Ducky) is: a meter of beer served in the shape of a duck. “They are usually filled with beer, but coke is also an option. Everyone is free to choose. During the introduction we ask whether the new students are open to drinking or not.”

The mom – beer in hand – who knows very well that no alcohol is allowed at 3 PM: “I guess I’m actually setting a bad example.” And then she starts chanting loudly: “Innovum, get licked”.

“Get licked,” the soon-to-be first-years shout back. Then it goes back and forth:

“One lick”

"One lick"

“Two licks”

"Two licks"

The meaning is left up to interpretation.

Square meter of beer

A dad from another group shows off the bucket list. The group that completes the most tasks gets a prize at the end of the week. “A ‘square meter’ of beer.” He double-checks to be sure that it’s really as much beer as he thinks it is. “Yes, that’s 121 beers.”

A Fontys spokesperson says that a similar alcohol policy to the one at TU/e is in place. He refers to a web page that states: “No alcohol is served, passed on, or provided to minors. This is punishable by law.” And: “No alcohol is served at activities before 4:00 PM, nor may it be consumed or passed on.”

“Everyone is aware of the alcohol policy. In general, it’s well adhered to. If students are seen with alcohol, they are addressed and may face sanctions,” says the spokesperson.

Hubble

The manager of Hubble Community Cafe explains that the bar is independent of any TU/e policy. The national policy to not serve alcohol to minors is strictly adhered to, but once the bar opens at 11 AM, beer can be ordered at Hubble. “The responsibility lies with the customer.”

At Spar, two employees have different thoughts about the alcohol policy. One of them thinks Spar is allowed to sell alcohol at any time; the other believes it is allowed only after 2 PM. Regardless, the Fontys students have already managed to secure some this morning.