Alcohol Violations

Policy

The legal age to purchase, possess, and/or consume alcoholic beverages in the State of Florida is 21.  Barry University supports all Federal, state and local laws relating to the use of alcoholic beverages and strictly enforces these laws.  Alcoholic beverages may not be sold, served or other distributed to minors. 

Students who live in University housing and are of age to consume alcohol may only have an amount for personal consumption.  This would be equal to a six pack of beer, a pint of hard liquor or a bottle of wine.  This must be consumed within the resident’s room, but not in the presence of anyone below the legal drinking age. 

Possession of open containers of alcohol or consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas, such as walkways, balconies, grounds areas, parking lots or loading zones is prohibited. 

Any University official has the right to request appropriate student identification when questioning an individual’s age for alcohol consumption purposes.

Alcoholic Beverages Served at University Functions

In University Housing

Social gatherings at which alcohol is served must be conducted in accordance with the University’s alcohol policy.  University Housing staff may make the determination that a gathering exceeds safe occupancy and may require some or all guests or non-residents to vacate a University housing unit/area.  No alcohol is permitted in a social gathering in which there are persons who are below the legal drinking age.

Beer kegs, party balls, funnels and large containers are not permitted in or around University housing.  Drinking games, such as beer pong, are also prohibited.

Student Organization Function

If a recognized student organization holds a function where students are present and alcohol has been requested, the following rules and regulations must be observed:

  1. Any group or organization wishing to serve alcohol must submit the following information to the director of the Office of Student Life 10 working days prior to the event:

    1. Name of organization
    2. Contact person
    3. Rationale for serving alcohol
    4. Number of persons expected to attend the event.
    5. Number and names of staff people assigned to the event.

    Failure to provide this information will prevent the organization from serving alcoholic beverages.

  2. If permission has been granted, the director of the Office of Student Life will set up a meeting to review all rules and regulations with the organization, as well as go through an event checklist. At that time, the organization will be informed of any added expenses that will have to be incurred to insure a safe and smooth running event. Such expenses are: added security, compensating the bartenders and/or supervisors.

  3. The Dean of Students and/or the director of the Office of Student Life reserve the right to refuse the serving of alcohol at any event.

  4. There will be no functions where alcoholic beverages are the main focal point of the event. Any advertising for the function may not include specific references to the fact that alcoholic beverages will be served.

  5. Drinking games or any activity that contributes to alcohol overindulgence or abuse are strictly prohibited.

  6. Two forms of identification (University I.D. and other official picture I.D.) must be presented at any student function before a student may receive or consume alcoholic beverages. Student activities staff or a designee will check student identification as published in the Official I.D. Checking Guide.

  7. Guests must be accompanied by their host and be required to show official I.D. in order to receive or consume alcoholic beverages.

  8. No visibly intoxicated person shall be served alcohol at any function.

  9. If a function lasts more than two hours, the serving of alcoholic beverages will stop at least 30 minutes before the end of the scheduled event.   No alcoholic beverages may be sold or served after 1:00 a.m.

  10. A uniformed police officer (Miami Shores or Miami-Dade) must be present at all events where alcohol is served.

  11. No bottles, coolers, bags, or other containers are permitted into any function. No person may bring alcoholic beverages into any event. No alcoholic beverages may be removed from any sanctioned event.  

  12. All alcoholic beverages shall be bought and served by a third party vendor.

  13. The adherence to these policies on alcohol shall be the individual and personal responsibility for each member of the student body of the University.

  14. Advisers or advisory boards of all student organizations must be familiar with the alcohol policy and the sanctions for noncompliance.

  15. Any student or student organization that violates the alcohol policy will be bought before the student conduct system of the University.

  16. Individuals found using a fraudulent I.D. will have the I.D. confiscated, and will be brought before the student conduct system of the University.

Enforcement

The enforcement of violations of the Student Code of Conduct with regard to alcohol usage will be addressed through the University’s’ student conduct process.  The following are general guidelines regarding sanctions which may be applied to students found to have violated the Alcohol Policy: 

  1. First Alcohol Violation
    • University Warning
    • 10 hours of community service
    • Alcohol education class/or on-line  Alcohol 101
    • Parental notification
    • Fine  $150

  2. Second Alcohol Violation
    • Disciplinary Probation
    • Assessment done by Counseling Center
    • Alcohol education class
    • Increase of community service hours
    • If resident student,  Housing Probation
    • Loss of privileges
    • Parental notification
    • Fine $200

  3. Third Alcohol Violation
    • Suspension
    • Increase of community service hours
    • If resident student,  loss of University Housing
    • Parental notification
    • Fine $300 

Anything above a third alcohol violation may place a student in jeopardy of termination of Housing contract and/or University Suspension.

Federal laws governing the privacy of student records, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) permits colleges and universities to inform the family of a student under 21 years of age when their student has been found in violation of University alcohol or drug rules and/or in the case of a health or safety emergency.

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