Employees and Currently Enrolled Students

The University of Virginia prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and employees. It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to know the risks associated with substance use and misuse. This responsibility obligates students and employees to know relevant University policies and federal, state, and local laws, and to conduct themselves in accordance with these laws and policies.  To these ends, the University publishes the following information regarding University policies and sanctions, laws, and penalties concerning substance use and misuse, health and behavioral risks of substance use, and resources for treatment and educational programming.

Prohibited conducted specifically related to alcohol and other drugs:

1. Alcohol:

Virginia laws concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, sale, and storage of alcoholic beverages include the following:

1. Any sale of an alcoholic beverage requires a license from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board.
2. Alcoholic beverages are not to be given, sold, or served to persons under 21 years of age.
3. Alcoholic beverages are not to be given, sold, or served to persons who are intoxicated.Virginia law prohibits: drinking in unlicensed public places; possession, consumption, or purchase of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age; falsely representing one’s age for the purpose of procuring alcohol; purchasing, giving, providing, or assisting in providing an alcoholic beverage for a person who is under 21 years of age; public intoxication; and providing alcohol to an intoxicated person.

Members of the University community living in University Property and their invited guests who are lawfully permitted to purchase, possess, and use alcohol may do so in the residence or on any immediately adjacent area devoted to residential use; they should not do so, however, in public places or in any area on University Property devoted to common use. The presence of underage family members, employees, or guests does not preclude the serving of alcohol in a residence that is University Property, provided an appropriate of-age family member and/or host is willing to assume the legal responsibility for complying with Virginia and federal law and University policy.

The University of Virginia assumes no responsibility for any liability incurred at any event not sponsored by the University where alcohol is served and/or sold. Students and members of Contracted Independent Organizations or of organizations with a Fraternal Organization Agreement are obliged to conduct themselves in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and assume full responsibility for their activities and events.

2. Alcohol at University Functions or on University Property:

All University Functions or events that occur on University Property that include alcohol must adhere to these requirements (Note: University-Associated Organization (UAO) events that do not occur on University Property are not subject to these requirements unless there is co-sponsorship with a University Office or Department):

• Function sponsors are responsible for following all federal and Virginia laws and University policies that apply to the serving and/or selling of alcoholic beverages.
• University Functions with underage guests in attendance must have an Event Manager present at all times.  The Event Manager(s) must successfully complete the University’s free online Alcohol Risk Management class (see course details and registration) prior to the Function.  The Event Manager(s) must supervise all alcohol service and check for proper age identification of individuals attending the Function.  (Note that this does not apply to Functions occurring at properly state licensed food and beverage establishments outside of University Property as the establishment will bear this responsibility).
• Non-alcoholic beverages and food items must be present in appropriate quantities.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be mentioned in the advertising or publicizing of a University Function or an event that occurs on University Property (e.g., “happy hour” or “cocktail reception”) unless approved by the relevant alcohol approval authority.
• Additional requirement for alcohol service on University Property:
  • Functions, whether planned or spontaneous, involving the possession, distribution, and/or consumption of alcohol beverages are prohibited in and around the first-year residence halls.
  • Function sponsors must determine if an ABC license is required.  Note that some venues on University Property are covered under an existing ABC license and alcohol service must be provided through the licensee (e.g., University Dining Services).
  • Possession of kegs, poney kegs, or beer balls is prohibited on University Property unless provided and managed by a licensed caterer and removed from plain view.
  • Event sponsors shall not permit the entry or exit of persons with beverage containers.

Any use of alcohol at a University Function or on University Property must be approved by the appropriate alcohol approval authority a minimum of five business days in advance using the required University form.

3. Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor Products (E-cigarettes):

Virginia law prohibits the purchase and possession of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products (e-cigarettes), and alternative nicotine products by anyone under 21 years of age (with the exception of active duty military personnel).  Such products may not be sold to anyone under 21 years of age.  The University does not tolerate or condone the use of these products by students or employees under 21 years of age.  Students and employees who violate this law may be referred by University authorities for civil prosecution and appropriate University conduct procedures.  (For more information, see policy SEC-028: No Smoking or Vaping).

4. Other Drugs:

Unauthorized manufacture, distribution, use, and possession of “controlled substances” (illegal drugs), including prescription drugs, cannabis, and cocaine, are prohibited by both Virginia and federal law and are punishable by severe penalties.  The University does not tolerate or condone such conduct.  Students and employees who violate Virginia or federal drug laws may be referred by University authorities for criminal prosecution.

Source: STU-001: Use of Alcoholic Beverages and Prohibition of Other Drugs (Accessed 10/7/2022)