Table of Contents

Alcohol and Drug Guidelines

Guideline Statement

These guidelines are intended to apply to all levels of membership in the organization in accordance with the Fraternal Life and Conduct policy. Each Chapter and all members are expected to comply with these guidelines in situations in which the university policies are less restrictive.

Guidelines

  1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on Chapter premises or during a fraternity event, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the Chapter, or at any event an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either the BYOB definition or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
  2. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased through or with Chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of or on behalf of the chapter. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common source(s) of alcoholic beverage, for example, kegs or cases, is prohibited.
  3. Open parties are prohibited. Any event with alcohol present that can or will be associated with an entity of a fraternity should have a guest list prepared twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the event. The Chapter will maintain a list of those who attend for several years.
  4. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal drinking age).
  5. The sale, distribution, or recreational use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on Chapter premises or during a fraternity event or at any event that an observer would associated with the fraternity is prohibited.
  6. No Chapter may co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor or tavern at which alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present. This includes any event held in, at or on the property of a tavern for purposes of fundraising. However, a Chapter may rent or use a room or area in a tavern for a closed event held within the provisions of this policy, including the use of a third party vendor and guest list. An event at which alcohol is present may be conducted or cosponsored with a charitable organization if the event is held within the provisions of the organization and college or university policy.
  7. No Chapter may co-sponsor, co-finance or attend or participate in a function at which alcohol is purchased by any of the host Chapters, groups or organizations.
  8. All recruitment or rush activities associated with any Chapter will be non-alcoholic. No recruitment or rush activities associated with any Chapter may be held at or in conjunction with a tavern or alcohol distributor as defined in this policy.
  9. No organization or member or pledge, associate/new member, or novice shall permit, tolerate, encourage or participate in drinking games.
  10. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/associate member/new member/novice program, activity or ritual of the Chapter. This includes but is not limited to activities associated with “bid night,” “big brother – little brother” events or activities, “family” events or activities and initiation.

Forms

Third Party Vendor Checklist

Definitions

BYOB

  1. One (1) six-pack of 12-ounce beers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage.
  2. One (1) four-pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage.
  3. Six (6) standard drinks as defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or an equivalent amount of alcoholic beverages that could reasonably be consumed by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage.

Controlled Substance

  1. A drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government.

Drinking Games

  1. Any activity involving the consumption of alcohol which involves duress or encouragement related to the consumption of alcohol. This includes but is not limited to the practice of consuming shots equating to one’s age, “Beer pong,” “century club,” or “dares”.

Open Parties

  1. Social gatherings with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present.

Tavern

  1. An establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol.

Policy

These guidelines shall be revised as necessary by the National Committee on Chapter Maintenance with oversight from the Risk Management Advisor of the Board of Trustees, and approved by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the National Executive Committee within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the revision.