Student hopes for non-alcoholic nightclub on campus

Loud, pulsating music. Hip lounge furniture, flashing lights, hot air. One thousand young people dancing to the beat every Friday and Saturday night, all within walking distance of your dorm.
        This is the vision of UNH Junior and Venture Capitalism and Entrepreneurship major Mark Bedard, who has been working on a plan to open an 18-plus alcohol-free nightclub on the UNH campus for over two years.
        "I thought of this idea out of the blue," Bedard said. "I figured there's a need for it because there are 13,000 people on campus and no nightlife at all."
        As an RA, Bedard realized early on that it can be tough to find a party scene that doesn't encourage alcohol consumption.
        Over the past two years, Bedard has been presenting his ideas and cultivating support from university faculty members and looking for investors to back him. He already has the approval of some, like Dean of Students Anne Lawing.
        "From what I've heard this sounds like a safe and healthy venue for entertainment," Lawing said. "Frankly I've been wishing someone would open something like this in Durham for a while now."
        According to Bedard, his nightclub plans are in their infancy. As of now, Bedard said he is planning to run his club similar to a UNH dining facility, with students swiping their IDs, moving through turnstiles, and leaving their belongings outside the dance facility. A guest pass policy similar to the one used in dining facilities has also been proposed.
        "This is for UNH students," Bedard said. "I don't want this to be for oyster River kids or older adults."
     Although he currently envisions a split-level 1,000-person capacity nightclub erected near Serc A and B, Bedard is prepared to tailor his dream based on student demands and land availability.
     He is working with the student senate to conduct a survey gauging interest in his proposal. Student Body Vice President Richard Peyser thinks Bedard's plan sounds like a "great idea."
     "I feel like there are a lot of students who think there's nothing there for them," Peyser said. "If you're under 21 and you want to go out downtown there's a lot of people excluded."
     Bedard said getting his ideas off the ground is a lengthy process which includes getting the support of the UNH administration, the town of Durham and students.
     Land usage policy is the main obstacle standing between Bedard and his goals.
     Douglas Bencks, university architect and director of campus planning, wrote in an email, "the University has never allowed the construction of a building on its land for private commercial purposes.  I've encouraged [Mark] to consider leasing space, on or off campus, to get this concept started."
    If the University agrees, Bedard has plans to enter a highly specific 99-year lease for land on campus property. He said that after meeting with administrators, obtaining a 99-year lease from the University is "very plausible."
    Some students, like sophomore business major Joe VonGombos, think that attracting students to a sober dance club on a Friday and Saturday night could be difficult.
    "I think a lot of people would not go sober, which is a potential problem," VonGombos said.
    Nick Thomas, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major said that because he is legally allowed to drink, he usually goes to the bar on weekend nights.
    "I probably wouldn't go because I drink," Thomas said. "But I think other people would be interested in that sort of thing."
    Bedard has found support via his Facebook group, The Lantern, which currently has 948 members. Bedard encourages students who have questions about The Lantern to visit the group for more information.
    He said that a survey about the club will be circulating around campus within the next couple of weeks.
    While Bedard can't guarantee anything, he said the club could be up and running within the next two years.
    "With support and drive, he could bring this specific idea to Durham, he could sell it," Peyser said. "He's not the kind of guy to give up. It's gonna take a lot to hold him back."