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In 2026, Syracuse University ranked at No. 7 on Niche’s list of partying on United States campuses, a designation suggesting a campus environment where drinking is common and the risk of alcoholism persists.

The ranking may spark debate, but it’s indisputable that SU has a reputation for an active party scene.

But, this culture may be on the brink of change. ​

On Feb. 6, lawmakers in the New York state legislature proposed a 5% excise tax on all alcoholic beverages, with the revenue earmarked for substance addiction treatment centers. Lawmakers cited two factors behind the proposal: expanded access to regulated markets for addictive substances and recent federal cuts to treatment services.
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As the top party school in New York, SU students and faculty will be directly impacted by the policy. If implemented, the excise tax would raise prices, a change likely to be unpopular among students.
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The proposed tax is expected to face strong opposition from the alcohol lobby and potentially be criticized as regressive. Yet, it would act as a public good for New York and could set a precedent for other states. The tax could generate millions of dollars in revenue, helping prevent addiction deaths, reduce reliance on the federal government and protect underage drinkers.

More than 2.8 million New Yorkers have struggled with addictions to major substances such as opioids, marijuana........

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