Alcohol Policy

 

• Bridgewater State College prohibits the possession, consumption, storage or service of alcohol by students except at approved or licensed locations. Guests are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the Bridgewater State College campus regardless of their age.
• In areas other than approved or licensed locations, all persons are prohibited from being present where there are alcoholic beverage containers (including decorative containers), whether full, partially full or empty.
• Public intoxication is prohibited. Public intoxication is defined as any intoxication which causes a disturbance or is dangerous to self, others or property or in any way requires the attention of college staff. Intoxication will not be accepted as an excuse for irresponsible behavior. This applies to all persons regardless of age.

Possession and consumption of alcohol:

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of an open container of alcohol is prohibited in public except under licensed conditions.
• Commercial delivery of alcoholic beverages to the campus is prohibited, except to licensed events or facilities.

The following alcohol container restrictions apply to all campus facilities and may be confiscated by college officials

• common sources
• alcoholic beverage containers over four liters, including empty alcoholic beverage containers and taps
• funnels or any other equipment used to consume large quantities of alcoholic beverages

The following is a list of minimum sanctions for violations of the alcohol policy. More severe sanctions may be imposed based on the severity of the violation. Sanctions are determined on a case by case basis.

IN THE PRESENCE OR IN POSSESSION OF EMPTY CONTAINERS OF ALCOHOL, INCLUDING DECORATIVE CONTAINERS:

	Residents	Commuters
1st Offense	Disciplinary warning	Disciplinary warning

Subsequent violations for being in the presence, or possession, of empty containers of alcohol, including decorative containers will result in increased sanctions.

ALL OTHER ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS:

	Residents	Commuters
1st Offense	Disciplinary probation Educational assignment Parental notification	Disciplinary probation Educational assignment Parental notification Temporary suspension from the residence halls
2nd Offense	Temporary suspension from the residence halls Parental notification	Permanent suspension from the residence halls Parental notification
3rd Offense	College suspension	College suspension

Students found in violation of the alcohol policy through report of a sexual assault, or psychological or medical emergency will not automatically be subject to minimum sanctions. Such situations will be handled on a case by case basis.

Serving alcoholic beverages at college events: All recognized groups who want
to sponsor an event with alcohol on campus must meet with and secure the
approval of the director of administrative support services at least 30 days
prior to the event. Approval forms are available from, and are facilitated by, the
Office of Conference and Event Services.

• Alcohol may be served on campus or at college-sponsored events only under licensed conditions.
• College funds or student organization funds may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages for student functions.
• Student groups who want to sponsor an event with alcohol on or off campus must adhere to the following guidelines.

Alcohol at events sponsored by student organizations: College-recognized student organizations may request permission to serve alcohol at student events through the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.

On-campus events: The Ballroom, Bridgewater Dining Room and One Park Avenue are permanently licensed. Student organizations seeking to hold an event with alcohol in another campus facility may request that a one-day license be obtained. A minimum of 30 days notice is required in order to process requests.

Off-campus events: Student organizations may only hold functions/events with alcohol at an off-campus venue with a permanent license for alcohol service.

The following guidelines apply to the service of alcohol at student events:

• Student organization sponsored functions/events with alcohol may only be held in facilities licensed for alcohol service.
• All individuals attending the event must be of legal drinking age. Student organizations may request an exception to this guideline if the alcohol server has acceptable procedures for separating individuals of age from those who are underage.
• The license holder assumes all responsibility for serving alcohol, including checking proper age identification, and may not delegate this responsibility to the event sponsor.
• Student organizations may not give alcohol away or include complementary drinks in the ticket price of an event. Distribution of alcohol at the event must be on a cash sales basis to the individual who will consume the alcohol.
• Alcohol may not be the primary focus of the event.
• Student organizations may not use college funds to purchase alcohol for the event.
• Only BSC students and their invited guests may attend the event. The student organization may only advertise the event to the BSC community.
• Ample food and non-alcoholic beverages must be readily available during the entire event.
• The organizations adviser or an alternative faculty/staff member must be present for the duration of the event.
• A police detail must be present for the duration of the event.

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