Four unmarked cruisers rolled up to the Seagrape Café. With black jackets, flashlights drawn and badges around their necks, Fairfield Police burst into the bar.
Erin Ajemian ’07 was at the Grape when the raid occurred.
“I saw the poker table and thought that was the reason, since gambling is illegal,” she said. “Then I asked, ‘Is this a real life raid?’ And one cop said, ‘Yes it is.'”
Lieutenant Mike Walsh of the Fairfield Police Department confirmed the raid.
“At approximately 11 p.m. on October 12, the Fairfield Police did assist the State Liquor Commission in their investigation of possible violations of the liquor codes,” Walsh said.
Hundreds of patrons were questioned in the sting at the Seagrape, Bravo, Skybox and “O” Bar to make sure that everyone was of age.
Most patrons of the Grape seemed confused as to why Fairfield Police would bother raiding the Grape.
“It didn’t seem that anyone there was underage,” said Maya Sarin ’07.
After checking hundreds of IDs in four bars, not a single violation was found. No fines were given out. No fake identification was discovered.
“Everything went fine here. We had no violations,” said Robert Petrosini, the manager of Bravo.
Dean of Students Tom Pellegrino was pleased to hear the results, as well.
“If no violations were found, I would say that this is a positive thing, both for the proprietors and for the of-age customers,” said Pellegrino.
The results of these raids, however, may not tell the full story.
“I know a lot of people had heard about it [the raid], and so they didn’t go,” said Rob McDonnell ’08.
Another junior, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of criminally implicating herself, was in Bravo that night: “Nicole Brady” ’08. Brady said that the bouncers were being particularly strict that night.
“They said, ‘Unless you’re 21 we can’t let you in tonight,'” said Brady.
Brady and her friends ran out the door when the police entered. One of her underage friends was trapped inside. Brady’s friend was then questioned by Fairfield Police and State Liquor Commission officers.
“My friend showed her [fake] ID to the cops and they stamped her hand as okay. She then continued to drink,” said Braady.
“Brooke Smith” ’08, also a pseudonym, is underage but enjoys going to bars with friends.
“I had heard rumors that Bravo was going to get raided. It made me start thinking maybe I shouldn’t go that night, but I felt that every time there’s a rumor they never raid,” said Smith.
But just after 11 p.m., Smith entered Bravo with a friend.
“The bar was not as packed as usual. I was inside maybe five minutes at the most. I saw a cop come in and another at the door. I looked at my friend and we ran out the side door,” she said.
The University was not connected to the raids in any way, according to administration officials.
“Public Safety was not informed and did not have any knowledge of these establishments being checked by the Liquor Commission and Fairfield Police,” said Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza.
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