Pub XII will now accept fake IDs on Bucket Nights

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Bozeman staple Pub XII has just opened its doors to a whole new crowd: underage drinkers.

The bar instituted a policy last week requiring bouncers to accept fake IDs on Thursdays. The change comes as part of a new advertising campaign to attract a younger crowd to the establishment’s well-known Bucket Nights — a weekly event where customers can fill a bucket with any booze of their choosing for only $12.

Bucket Night attendee Ana Sterner said that because of the change, she was able to enjoy the event for the first time.

“I gave the bouncer my fake [ID] and he just nodded at me, said ‘I know this is fake’ and let me in,” she said in an interview Thursday night. “I think tonight might be the best night of freshman year, for sure.”

Pub XII Manager Ethan Schmick said that he came up with the policy change after seeing that the notorious sloot rail was chock-full of soon-to-graduate frat boys.

“As a manager, I know that the rail is central to our reputation,” he said. “So I came up with a policy that would attract a younger crowd, kind of spice the place up.”

The sloot rail is a narrow, elevated stage that lines the back wall of the venue. “The place should be lined with young folks. It’s important to get young people involved in our community,” Schmick said.

Schmick said that in addition to accepting fake IDs on Thursdays, the bar will be providing refillable Pub XII-branded buckets to MSU dorms North and South Hedges.

“We’ve been receiving tons of plastic buckets at the front desks of North and South [Hedges],” said Resident Advisor Lisa Preel. “They’re free to anyone who asks. Just come up to the front desk and grab yours.”

According to Schmick, students who bring in one of these buckets will receive a 10 percent discount on their mixed drink of choice.

Preel said that she is concerned about Pub XII’s newest campaign, but thinks MSU freshmen should be introduced to Pub XII before school lets out for summer break.

“They’ve been drinking in the dorms all year, and at some point, they have to move off campus. They have to grow up,” Preel said. “Pub XII is a great introduction to somewhere that young people can come together.”

MSU faculty have frantically attempted to intervene in the campaign, arguing that the new policy is illegal.

“We want our students to be making decisions that reflect the values of the University,” said Dean of Students Mark Cayres. “Pub XII is not somewhere that the University feels brings out the best side of our students.”

Schmick disagreed, stating that Pub XII has been an integral part of Bozeman’s college bar scene for years.

“People talk about the stories from their nights on the sloot rail for years afterward,” he said. “Our establishment is a key part of being a true Bobcat, and we want to bring that experience to the freshmen and sophomores who may still be underage.”

Sterner promised that she would be back for more Bucket Nights.

“No other bars let you in when you’re under 21, so it feels really special to be able to be with all my friends and drink on Main [Street],” she said. “I’m for sure coming back next week.”

Schmick said that, since the policy change, Bucket Night’s sales have risen dramatically. “Not only are there lots more people here, but they stay all night because we’re the only bar with this kind of policy,” he said. “I’m just proud to see one of my ideas taking off in a big way.”

When asked about legal concerns, Schmick said that providing fake IDs is a choice made by students.

“We’re still asking that they show some identification to get in. We just want to let people know that fake IDs are a totally admirable way to skirt the system,” he said. “Don’t let being underage stop you from having a good night out.”