I love the venue. We only drink alcohol on occasion, so it's no big deal for us that they don't serve it -- in fact I wasn't aware that they don't. They must have a reason for not selling alcohol, but it's probably a revenue loss for them.
I was originally told that it was because it was on a college campus, but alcohol is sold at Sac State, Davis, Stanford, etc.
Musicians and many patrons have complained that though the place is beautiful, comfortable, has great sound and there's not a bad seat in the house, the atmosphere is too quiet.
For example, after an instrumentalist takes a solo in jazz, it is traditional for the audience to show appreciation by applauding. That doesn't happen much at Harris Ctr.
When the band Cake played, one member said it was the quietest place he'd ever played.
I think that's due in part to the hushed tone of the people at the door and the ushers, but also that alcohol helps some folks to relax, and lots of people like to have a drink before or at intermission.