Other Useful Information

Expectations for behavior in the pub

The Thirsty Ear Pub, as a student-run organization, has the same expectations for all of its patrons as MIT has for its students. These expectations are laid out in the MIT Mind and Hand Book. The staff will address any behavior that violates these rules and expectations within the pub. Please respect any decisions of the staff, as their main concern is the safe operation of the pub. Groups in the Thirsty Ear during normal operating hours should be considerate of the fact that they are not the only group in the space and act accordingly. Karaoke etiquette dictates that individuals participating in karaoke should respect the direction of the karaoke host, approaching the stage only when called and vacating it when their song is completed. During trivia, if your group is not participating, please refrain from loud activities that will interfere with the game.

Guest Policy

Individual MIT affiliates may bring guests into the pub. However, the staff will hold these affiliates responsible for their guest's behavior and to inform their guests beforehand of what our expectations are for behavior in the pub. This means that the staff expect an MIT-affiliated individual to be attached to every non-affiliated individual, and that the non-affiliated individual will not remain in the pub or expect to be admitted another time without their MIT-affiliated host. The number of guests allowed per MIT affiliate is up to the discretion of the staff on a case-by-case basis. Expectations for guests' behavior in the pub are the same as those for an MIT affiliate, particularly when it comes to following the MIT Mind and Hand Book, even though they are not MIT students, and respecting the decisions of the staff. MIT affiliates should remind their guests to bring a 21+ government ID. The staff will readily accept valid MA IDs and passports.

Events Policy

Any organized event or activity at the pub should go through the event form to be vetted. The form can be found under Reserve the Pub. If such an event or activity would disrupt the normal operation and programming of the pub, the MIT pubs events team may advise the organizing group to rent out the pub specifically for their event. Groups that come in during normal operating hours must have MIT and 21+ IDs. Space in the pub will not be reserved for groups and is first come, first serve. Any group at the Thirsty Ear engaging in unsanctioned activities that change the overall vibe of the pub will be asked to cease or leave by the staff. If you are uncertain whether your group will be disruptive to normal operations, please submit an event form.

Finally...

In case you were curious, the following may not be a comprehensive list, but it covers some issues that may have been encountered before and the staff would prefer not to encounter again in three categories: absolutely against the rules (See Mind and Hand Book, Federal, or MA state law), dangerous to yourself or others, and disruptive to the vibe of the pub.

Absolutely against the rules

• Attempting to enter the pub without a valid gov't 21+ ID.
• Attempting to enter the pub without proof of MIT affiliation.
• Drinking from pitchers. Pitchers are quantity dispensing sources, not large cups.
• Chugging or other rapid consumption of alcohol. We expect responsible consumption only.
• Drinking games or gambling.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Removing alcohol from the licensed space. The boundary is the door of the pub.
• Bringing outside alcohol into the space, not even as gifts for a party.

Dangerous to yourself or others

• Climbing on or over chairs, or sitting on tables. (In short, using furniture in a manner it was not specifically designed.)
• Blocking the walkways with furniture or groups of people, as this may be a fire hazard, and it prevents the staff from moving freely in the space should they need to.
• We do not have a dance floor. Please do not improvise one.
• Moving furniture in an unsafe manner. Nobody needs to be hit in the head with a rogue chair.
• Arguing with the staff. Distracting the staff prevents them from doing their job, which is to ensure everyone's safety.
• Unsafe practices at the pool table. Please be aware of where both ends of your pool stick are at all times.
• Excessive physicality or other rough housing.

Disruptive to the vibe of the pub

• Please remember that you and your group are not alone in the pub and be considerate of other guests.
• No announcements or obtrusive organized activities will be allowed without prior permission from management.