A week after the MSU Board of Trustees approved a ban on open alcohol on campus, some students say they are questioning how effective the ban will be.

Landscape architecture sophomore Alex Kretschmer said he hadn't seen many people carrying open alcohol before the ban was implemented.

"I don't really see a difference," Kretschmer said. "I don't think it would change much."

It will take time to find out how successful the restriction proves to be, said Lee June, vice president for Student Affairs and Services.

"Hopefully, people will understand why it was done," June said. "The intent was not to take away fun or the ability to take away tailgating, but really to bring our ordinances in line."

The ordinance was first presented to the board at its Jan. 14 meeting and was put into effect Feb. 10. It brings MSU into conformity with the city of East Lansing and every other Big Ten university.

Open alcohol is now prohibited in all public areas of campus, except for dorm rooms of students 21 and older.

University administrators said they intend to recommend the ban be lifted on all football Saturdays in all areas of campus, except for Munn field and a perimeter around Spartan Stadium.

Violations will be considered misdemeanors, and can be punishable by a fine and by required attendance at an alcohol education program.

Discussions on guidelines for exceptions to the ban began Tuesday, said Sue Carter, secretary to the board. Guidelines are still in preliminary stages, and more information will be available next week, Carter said.

Even though the ban has been approved, discussions about its impact and the issues surrounding it will remain ongoing, MSU spokesman Terry Denbow said.

"There's a growing appreciation about what is the appropriate use of alcohol on a college campus," he said.

Although she said she knows why the ban was put into effect, hospitality business sophomore Andrea Alvis said it might not be enough to ensure the ordinance's success.

"I understand that they want to be in accordance with other Big Ten universities, but I still don't think it's going to make any difference," Alvis said. "People will still drink and still find ways to carry it around with them."