The taps will remain off at Kansas University’s Jaybowl.

Students were hoping a new proposal – packed with safety measures – would allow those 21 and older to enjoy a 3.2-percent beer while bowling on the first level of the Kansas Union.

However, the proposal, which was approved in February by the KU Memorial Corporation Board, was not OK with Provost Richard Lariviere.

He informed board members of his decision through a memo Monday.

“There are a number of reasons why it would not be in the university’s best interest, but the one the provost cited specifically in a very, brief memo to the board members was the serious nature of alcohol abuse among college students and the social issues surrounding alcohol use,” said Lynn Bretz, director of university communications.

Bretz said the fact that KU plays host to events for high school and grade school students weighed into the decision. Lariviere, who is out of town this week, also considered a survey of other Big 12 schools that found only four served alcohol.

Bill Walberg, a senior from El Dorado Hills, Calif., and a member of the union board, led the effort to bring back beer sales.

“Even though I do disagree with the decision that was made, I am in full support of what the provost decided to do,” he said. “I do see that this could hurt the image of the university and deter what the goal of the university is, which is education. So, I can see where he is coming from on that.”

Walberg said the provost’s decision would be discussed Aug. 23 during the board’s first meeting of the school year.

Beer was sold in the Union until 1998 when a task force of city, KU and Haskell Indian Nations University representatives convened after the death of KU student Lisa Rosel. She was hit and killed by a car driven by KU student Matt Vestal as she walked in the 1400 block of Tennessee Street. Police said both Rosel and Vestal were intoxicated.