Campus alcohol policy not always dry

The chancellor can designate areas on campus where alcohol is allowed.

By Rachel Allred

Published Sept. 29, 2009

The consumption and sale of alcohol is not prohibited on campus, but laws and regulations concerning alcoholic beverages are enforced.

According to the M-Book, the use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all university property, except in the president and chancellor's residences. The sale, use or possession of alcohol can be allowed in designated facilities.

MU Police Department Capt. Brain Weimer said there are strict guidelines concerning alcohol use and where alcohol is permitted.

"The rules say specifically where you can have alcohol," Weimer said. "The dry areas would be considered where you're not supposed to have alcohol."

Weimer said the chancellor is allowed to designate areas where alcohol is allowed.

Although the campus has set forth rules and regulations concerning alcohol use, all of the city and state laws still apply, Weimer said.

"It's important to remember that the ordinances, which are from the city, and the statutes, which are from the state, apply," he said. "We enforce all the laws, ordinances and regulations."

One guideline that differs on campus from the city is the open container ordinance, which does not apply to parts of campus. Weimer said students are allowed to have open containers in designated areas on campus, but officers have the authority to card and talk to them. Weimer said officers card whenever the age of the drinker is questionable.

"If an officer sees someone who they believe is underage, they check them," Weimer said. "You have to be able to prove that you're at least 21 years of age."

The M-Book states the underage drinking law applies to everyone at all times.

Violation of this policy will result in individual conduct code charges being pursued against the student as well as a possible loss of recognition for the organization.

Weimer said if a minor is found with alcohol, he or she is arrested.

During weekends, including game weekends where there is more drinking, Weimer said the same regulations are in place and alcohol violations are treated no differently. When there is a home game, Weimer said all MUPD officers are on duty and work with the Boone County Sheriff's Department and Missouri Highway Patrol officers to find alcohol law violators.

Alcohol laws vary on campus. Alcohol is not permitted in residential halls but may be in sorority and fraternity houses. Weimer said Greek houses are off campus property but still are under the regulations of campus and Greek Life. If a concern or violation at a Greek house is reported, city police respond as opposed to campus police.

Resources on campus are available for students who have gotten in trouble for alcohol use. Chu-Chun Fu, Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students coordinator, works with students who have been referred to the Wellness Center due to alcohol-related problems.

"The rules and regulations are there for a reason," Fu said. "We try to make those really clear for students."