Booze???
Hi this is my first year attending Anthrocon and I was wondering if alcoholic beverages will be available at the dances? 
Thanks! 
The hotel has a bar, and there are several bars within short walking distance. You should have no problem acquiring a reasonable and responsible number of drinks within a short walk of the dance.
Far be it from me to disagree with Protocollie, but I must point out a few things.
First, there is to my knowledge no alcohol service in the Convention Center (DLCC). Nor does the DLCC allow you to bring any in. As a standing policy they have asked that we enforce the latter, and we have done so. So wandering over to the nearest bar and bringing back your drink just isn't going to fly. Sorry.
Second, the dances happen at night. Most of Pittsburgh is shut down by the time the dance starts, so you're not likely to find anything except the Westin bar open for grabbing a drink. That bar is pretty pricey. There are a couple of places that might be open and serving (August Henry's comes to mind), but most restaurant bars don't allow take-out. This is Pittsburgh, not New Orleans. (Hmm. A furcon in New Orleans. The mind boggles. But I digress.)
So the short answer is yes, you can get alcoholic drinks in the area, but no, you can't take 'em into the dance.
As for other stuff relating to alcohol, the link posted below pretty much says it all. Be sure and read it all, tho.
Oh, I never meant to imply that the drinks could come to the dance, only that you could easily find some. :]
The westin bar definitely stayed open late and there were a few other places with extended hours that were more than happy to get me sauced later in the day - but yeah - no bringing drinks to the dance is a definite point to make. :]
I thought so, but wasn't quite sure. From the original question I couldn't tell if Sibley was asking if he could take booze into the dance or just get some nearby. Better we give out the whole story rather than lead him or anyone reading this to think one thing and then disappoint him on site.
I've seen the price list for a cash bar by the convention center's contracted caterer. $125 per bartender for 3 hours, $7 for mixed drinks or wine, $6 for imported beer, $5 for domestic beer, $3 for soda. Plus tax and 20% service charge. Result: Broke, drunken furries. No thanks!
You might also want to check out this thread:
http://www.anthrocon.org/node/1804
since it includes input from both the Dorsai (Con Security)and Kage himself found some of the laws that apply in Pittsburgh.
The most important rule: You must be 21 years of age to drink alcohol in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania legally!
Drinking before, at or in between the dances is a surefire way to:
1) dehydration
2) great chance of personal injury to yourself and others
3) increase likelyhood of Nausia
4) dehydration
5) oh yes & dehydration
Just be carefull
I'd say a goo dnumber of dance related first aid issues were the result (direct ro inderect) of alcahol
No its ok I'll be sure to drink a lot of it so I dont get dehydrated!
...I'm joking!
Dude, dancing and drinking have gone hand in hand since the stone age. Their timelines are intertwined as far back as history goes.
So is drinking and driving, many a horse ruined by a drunk carrage driver
Intertwined or not doesn't make it a good idea. That beign said, it boils down to doing it responsabily, watchign out for warnign signs and being aware of the possible consequences
Not ryign to be a kill joy, believe me , I do drink and fursuit after all, also a very unhealthy & possibly unsafe thing to do 
but it sure is fun
Dude... it's dancing.
Also keep in mind, obviously intoxicated people will be invited politely to find their way back to their hotel rooms. We certainly don't mind adults having a few beverages in the evening, but if you get to the point where others notice you're not in control, its time to call it a night and head back to your room.
Yes, Sir.
I second this, Skippy. One of the things that really bothers me is when people neglect to take care of themselves.
I have no problem with someone enjoying a fine, tasty beverage. Just be mindful.
I recommend a fursuit over alcohol to enhance a dancing experience.
Fursuiting, my antidrug...
another Question,
is it allowed to take own beverage with you (not to much, i need to carry it whilst in suit)
i can open my own beer whilst in suit, so thats no problem.
only is it allowed? (there is this camelbag with water in my suit, dont worry with dehydration folks)
As Sgt. Steve posted a earlier in the thread:
First, there is to my knowledge no alcohol service in the Convention Center (DLCC). Nor does the DLCC allow you to bring any in. As a standing policy they have asked that we enforce the latter, and we have done so. So wandering over to the nearest bar and bringing back your drink just isn't going to fly. Sorry.
Nope, sorry. But there should be a number of nearby water stations, I think.