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Appendix II: Alcohol Beverage Policy

The following conduct is prohibited by law:

  1. Possessing, purchasing, or consuming alcohol under the age of 21.
  2. Selling or providing alcohol to any person under the age of 21.
  3. Appearing intoxicated in a public area.
  4. Selling or serving alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.
  5. Possessing an open container of alcohol in a public area.
  6. Driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or with a blood alcohol level (as shown by a lawfully administered blood or breath test) in excess of that permitted for drivers by Virginia law. Impairment can be determined by a registered Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and/or a reasonable evaluation of the totality of the facts and circumstances. 
  7. Bringing any type of alcoholic beverage into an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed facility or area and taking alcoholic beverages out of an ABC area.

The following additional conduct is prohibited on campus at the university:

  1. Possessing alcohol in public. Public areas where alcohol is prohibited include all indoor and outdoor university property unless an event has been approved through the university's event registration process.* 
  2. Participating in drinking games or progressive drinking parties by students of guests.
  3. Possessing items used predominantly for drinking games (e.g., beer pong tables and beer bongs).
  4. Possessing "common containers" of alcohol, including but not limited to, kegs, pony kegs, beer balls, box wines and containers greater than 750 mL, and mixed alcoholic punch. The Office of Student Leadership Development may grant permission for the use of common container alcohol at registered functions.

The following additional provisions apply to possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in Residential Facilities:

  1. Alcohol is prohibited in common areas of residence halls unless an event has been approved through the university's event registration process. Common areas include lobbies, lounges, bathrooms, and hallways of residential spaces.
  2. Freshman Residence Halls
    1. Alcohol is prohibited in any individual room in a freshman residence hall unless one of the residents is at least 21 years of age and the alcohol belongs to that resident. In freshman residence halls, guests of underage residents, regardless of the guest's age, may not possess alcohol in any freshman residence.
    2. Alcohol is prohibited in the common areas of freshman residences. Functions with alcohol cannot be scheduled in any freshman residence. 
  3. Empty alcohol containers in residence hall facilities may constitute evidence of alcohol consumption or possession, and may, therefore, be subject to inspection and seizure, and residents may be subject to referral to SARP
  4. Any person who desires to host and have alcohol available in his or her private residence hall room, or apartment must register the event with the Office of Student Leadership Development if the number of individuals present is more than eight over the room, or apartment occupancy. Maximum occupancy restrictions of the room, or apartment cannot be exceeded.**

*"Common areas" does not include a student's residence hall room.

**Refer to the Residence Life Housing Contract for occupancy information