UAPD urges caution for commencement weekend

Last year, there were no "driving under the influence" or alcohol violation arrests during a 24-hour period from May 15 to 16, according to University of Arizona Police Department statistics.

The department registered one DUI and one alcohol violation arrest in 1997, according to UAPD records for graduation weekend.

UAPD Cmdr. Brian Seastone said police do not have additional law enforcement measures for commencement weekend, but they remain concerned with the problems associated with partying.

UA-area bar managers are also taking steps to stop students who have had too much alcohol from driving.

"We always call cabs for people who are over their limit," said Bill Eyrich, general manager for Geronimoz' Restaurant and Bar, 800 E. University Blvd.

Todd Sands, manager at Maloney's On Fourth, said the bar is prepared for the festivities and is expecting a busy weekend, but they are not expecting problems from customers.

Maloney's, 213 N. Fourth Ave., will provide extra staff to accommodate the commencement reveling along with a free cab service in addition to the trolley from Fourth Avenue to the university, Sands said.

Dan Baker of Yellow Cab said the company will have 90 to 100 cabs out this weekend.

"We will be out there in full force," Baker said. "If you're drunk, call a cab."

Allstate Cab Co. will be offering a 20 percent discount with student IDs, said Nan Harris, the company's head dispatcher,.

"Anytime something goes on for the UA, we are stocked and ready to go," Harris said. "We basically cater to the UA on the weekends."