The SEC has made a significant change to its alcohol policy for sporting events, and it’s one that many fans have been wanting.
After much discussion on allowing alcohol to be purchased by those attending athletic events, the league has decided to give each of the 14 schools the opportunity to make their own decisions regarding the selling of alcoholic beverages.
However, despite the revisions to the rule, the conference has also made it clear that there is not an expectation from the league office for schools to allow alcohol sales.
NEWS | SEC announces a revision to its alcohol policy
Details ⬇️https://t.co/x0qphQT2A7
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) May 31, 2019
South Carolina president Harris Pastides, who is current chair of the SEC presidents and chancellors, commented on what the changes will mean moving forward.
“We are proud of the great game-day atmospheres the SEC and our member schools have cultivated throughout our history, and no other conference rivals the SEC in terms of our ability to offer an intense yet family-friendly atmosphere for all of our fans,” said University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides, current chair of the SEC Presidents and Chancellors. “This policy is intended to enhance the game-day experience at SEC athletics events by providing our schools the autonomy to make appropriate decisions for their respective campuses while also establishing expectations for responsible management of the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.”
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey also released a statement on the tweaks to the policy:
“Our policy governing alcohol sales has been a source of considerable discussion and respectful debate among our member universities in recent years,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “As a Conference, we have been observant of trends in the sale and consumption of alcohol at collegiate sporting events and have drawn upon the experiences and insights of our member schools which have responsibly established limited alcohol sales within controlled spaces and premium seating areas. We remain the only conference to set forth league-wide standards for the responsible management of the sale of alcoholic beverages.”
As for basketball, schools that decide to provide sales of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed to continue selling them beyond the 12-minute mark of the second half.
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