Title
UNC-Chapel Hill Policy on Alcohol
Introduction
Purpose
This policy explains the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's ("UNC-Chapel Hill" or "University") rules about alcohol on University property or at University-sponsored Events, including:
- Selling,
- Serving,
- Possessing,
- Storing,
- Sharing,
- Giving away, and
- Drinking alcoholic beverages.
The University’s goal is to keep people safe and support the University’s mission while allowing appropriate hospitality and engagement.
Scope
Who is covered
All students, student organizations, faculty, staff, University administrative units, other University affiliates (such as contractors, vendors, volunteers, and visiting scholars), and visitors.
Student note: In addition to this policy, students and student organizations must follow all alcohol-related policies in the University’s Code of Student Conduct and Carolina Housing’s Community Living Standards.
Where it applies
This policy covers behavior on University property and at University-Sponsored Events, whether on or off University property.
What is not covered
Alcohol and other regulated substances used for research, teaching, clinical, or lab purposes are governed by Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) and other applicable regulations and policies.
Definitions
ABC: North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
Alcohol or Alcoholic Beverage: Any drink containing 0.5% or more alcohol, as defined by North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) § 18B‑101.
BYOB: Bring Your Own Beverage.
Common-Source Container: Kegs, coolers, pitchers, punch bowls, bathtubs, trash cans, shared refrigerators, or any other container meant for open access to alcohol at a party or gathering.
Legal Drinking Age: 21 years old, per N.C.G.S. § 18B‑300.
Tailgating: A festive gathering of people outdoors that typically occurs around a vehicle or in parking lots and surrounding areas on University Property before and/or after a sporting event that the University specifically designates.
University Unit: A University department, division, program, college, or school.
University Property: Any building, structure, or outdoor space owned, leased, operated, managed, or controlled by UNC-Chapel Hill.
University-Sponsored Event: Any event connected to the University, whether on or off University Property. Examples include, but are not limited to, events initiated, supported, hosted, co-hosted, funded, authorized, supervised, or presented by a University unit or authorized representative.
Vendor: Anyone who is approved, either internally through a University-held ABC permit or externally contracted, licensed, and insured service provider, to sell/serve alcohol.
Policy
A. Core Rules
- Alcohol may only be sold on campus at venues authorized by state law and an ABC permit to sell alcohol (Section B).
- University units/departments may host events with alcohol at approved on-campus locations and off-campus if the event meets all minimum requirements of this policy (Section C).
- Alcohol may be possessed at approved Carolina Athletics Tailgating times and locations (Section D).
- Students and Student Organizations must follow the Code of Student Conduct, Student Organizations Handbook, and Carolina Housing Community Standards.
Alcohol cannot be served, sold, or possessed on campus or at University-Sponsored Events unless expressly permitted under this policy. There are no exceptions.
Rules that always apply to selling, serving, or possessing alcohol at events on University Property and University-Sponsored Events:
- Age: Only people 21 or older may possess or drink alcohol. Providing alcohol to anyone under 21 is prohibited. Vendors and hosts must check and verify valid identification (ID). Using a fake ID is prohibited.
- Common-source containers: Only vendors may use common-source containers (for example, kegs).
- No drinking at work sites or during work hours. University employees may not consume alcohol during work hours. The only exception is when approved by a Dean, Vice Chancellor, or designee. Under no circumstances may a University employee become intoxicated during work hours.
- Responsible service: Providing alcohol to anyone who is noticeably intoxicated is prohibited. Vendors and staff must complete responsible beverage service training.
- Safety and security: Event hosts must implement reasonable safety and security measures based on event size, location, and participants.
- Vendors: Vendors must hold and display all ABC permits required to sell or serve alcohol.
B. Venues with Standing Approval to Sell Alcohol
North Carolina law and the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees allow qualified businesses to sell alcohol at certain University spaces/venues on University Property. Please see alcohol.unc.edu for a list of University spaces and venues permitted by law and by the Board of Trustees for the sale of alcohol. Events at these locations must also follow venue-specific procedures designed to improve safety and ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.
C. Minimum Requirements for University Units/Departments to Host Events with Alcohol
Alcohol sales are not permitted in areas of campus not referenced above in Section B. Alcohol may be served in other University locations, subject to the following rules. These rules also apply when alcohol is served at a University-Sponsored Event, regardless of whether that event occurs at a Section B location, on University Property, or off University Property.
Alcohol service is only allowed if all requirements below are met at any University-Sponsored Event.
There are no appeals and only limited exceptions.
- Dean, Vice Chancellor, or Chancellor approval (in writing). The event sponsor must get written approval from their Dean or Vice Chancellor before holding the event or buying any alcohol for the event. The Dean or Vice Chancellor must confirm in writing that:
- Serving alcohol is appropriate for the event, and
- The event meets all other policy requirements.
- Event registration. After approval, the Dean, Vice Chancellor, Chancellor or their designees must register the event using the University’s official process. (Details will be in a separate procedure.)
- Must be a private, invitation-only event. Access to the event must be limited to invitees and controlled throughout the event. The event may not be open to the public.
- Purchasing and reimbursement. All alcohol purchases using University funds must comply with University procurement and finance policies (for example, any limits on cost per drink or the share of an event budget that may be spent on alcohol) and with the relevant University finance policies when seeking reimbursement for alcohol purchases. Failure to follow the requirements of this policy may result in denial of a reimbursement request.
- Use a licensed vendor. A licensed and insured vendor must serve all alcoholic beverages. BYOB and self-service are not allowed, except in University-designated tailgating areas (see Section D).
Units may purchase alcohol directly from a retail store (e.g., package store, convenience store, grocery store, etc.) only if they satisfy all of the following requirements:
- The unit’s Dean or Vice Chancellor must explicitly approve the purchase in writing.
- The alcohol must be turned over to the vendor for service. If there is a time gap between purchase and turning over to the vendor, alcohol must be stored in a securely locked area.
- The vendor must provide written acknowledgment of the specific alcohol inventory received.
- The unit or vendor must dispose of or return (if permitted by the retailer) any leftover containers of alcohol at the end of the event. Units are not permitted to store alcohol unless they are pre-approved to do so. Units with approval to store alcohol are listed at alcohol.unc.edu and must follow the minimum requirements for alcohol storage.
- Any violations of these requirements may result in the unit losing privileges to purchase and/or serve alcohol for their events.
- Minimum Requirements for Alcohol Storage:
- The unit may not store opened containers of alcohol.
- Stored alcohol must be kept in a securely locked area, and the unit must have measures and written procedures in place to ensure that stored alcohol is inaccessible to anyone without a legitimate business purpose to access it.
- The unit must maintain an accurate and detailed written inventory of all stored alcohol.
- If the unit discovers any alcohol missing from the storage area, the unit must immediately report the information to the unit’s Dean or Vice Chancellor.
- Units should audit their own alcohol inventories at least once per calendar year. Internal Audit and University Finance also reserve the right to audit any unit's alcohol inventory at any time.
D. Game Day Tailgating (Athletics)
These rules apply to anyone who possesses or consumes alcohol while tailgating for athletic events on University Property. They apply in addition to all other University alcohol rules and all local and state laws.
1. Follow the Law and University Rules
- Alcohol may be possessed or consumed only in ways allowed by this policy, North Carolina law, and local laws and ordinances. Other than in designated areas, open containers of alcohol are not permitted in outdoor spaces on University Property.
2. Who May Drink Alcohol
- Anyone drinking alcohol must be at least 21 years of age or older and be able to show a valid, government-issued photo ID if asked.
3. Where and When Alcohol Is Allowed
- Alcohol may only be possessed or consumed in tailgating areas specifically designated by the Chancellor and during approved tailgating times (please see the Game Day Guides on the University Department of Athletics' website).
- Alcohol is not allowed on game days outside these times and areas (including public roadways).
4. Prohibited Alcohol-Related Conduct
The following are not allowed at tailgating events:
- Selling alcohol, except in locations approved by law and with a valid ABC permit.
- Common-source containers (e.g., kegs) unless served by a professional vendor or caterer who maintains exclusive control of them (i.e., no self-service).
- Drinking games or devices intended to increase the speed or amount of alcohol consumption (such as beer pong, funnels, or beer bongs).
- Behavior that creates safety concerns, disrupts others, or interferes with University operations.
5. Intoxication, Removal, and Enforcement
- University officials or law enforcement may require individuals who appear noticeably intoxicated to leave the tailgating area and/or University Property.
- Failure to follow these rules may result in removal from the tailgating area and may lead to additional action under University policy or the law.
For more information about Tailgating at UNC-Chapel Hill, including location, timing, grilling, and cleanup, please refer to the Department of Athletics: Policy to Support Safe, Fan-Friendly Tailgating around Athletic Events on the Campus of UNC.
E. Alcohol Promotion, Marketing, and Advertising
Alcohol advertising and promotion are generally prohibited on University Property, on University-owned or managed communication platforms, and at University-Sponsored Events, except as expressly permitted by this policy.
In all instances of marketing and promotion that include alcohol, the following restrictions apply:
- Materials may not promote or glorify excessive or high-risk alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol may not be the primary focus of an event or activity.
- Content must not be targeted to, or reasonably likely to appeal to, individuals under the legal drinking age.
Permitted Institutional Marketing
The University may enter into contractual or sponsorship agreements with alcohol beverage companies for legitimate institutional purposes. All such arrangements are subject to University review and approval.
Student Organizations and Events
Promotion for events at which alcohol will be present must comply with University policy, Student Code of Conduct, applicable laws, and may not target underage individuals.
Exclusions
This policy does not restrict:
- Educational, prevention, or harm-reduction messaging;
- Academic, artistic, or research expression involving alcohol that is not promotional; or
- Neutral, informational references to alcohol availability.
The University will implement and enforce this Policy in a manner consistent with the requirements and protections of the First Amendment.
F. Roles and Responsibilities
- Campus Alcohol Policy Advisory Committee:
- Regularly reviewing and gathering feedback from University stakeholders about the University’s Alcohol Policy and related Procedure; and
- Providing recommendations to the Chancellor’s Office for updates as needed to the University’s Alcohol Policy and related Procedure.
- Campus Safety, Carolina Housing, Human Resources, and Student Affairs:
- Working with the University Compliance Office to provide necessary reports, documentation, and communications necessary to ensure University compliance with the Clery Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and the Drug-Free Workplace Act;
- Educating, monitoring, and enforcing within their areas; and
- Providing resources and support to University students, faculty, and staff.
- Chancellor’s Office:
- Overseeing implementation of the University’s Alcohol Policy and related Procedure, including ensuring the University meets all regulatory and reporting requirements;
- Designating specific locations and times for tailgating events where alcohol is permitted; and
- Reviewing the Campus Alcohol Policy Advisory Committee’s proposed revisions to the Alcohol Policy and related Procedure and approving or denying those proposals.
- Deans and Vice Chancellors:
- Approve or deny events with alcohol in their units;
- Ensure approved events are registered through the University’s designated process.
- Event sponsors/hosts:
- Follow this policy and all conditions for any approved event;
- Coordinate with the licensed vendor and relevant University offices.
- Facilities Services: Coordinate with Athletics, Campus Safety, and other units to oversee University property areas designated for tailgating by the Chancellor’s Office.
- Students, faculty, staff, affiliates, visitors: Know and follow this policy and all applicable laws and regulations.
-
University Compliance Office:
- Ensuring the University continues to comply with the Clery Act;
- With direction from the Chancellor’s Office, coordinating appropriate campus units to ensure completion of the University’s responsibilities under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act;
- University Policy Office: Supporting the Chancellor’s Office and Campus Alcohol Task Force with benchmarking, analysis, policy language drafting, publication, and any other support necessary to ensure the University’s Alcohol Policy and related Procedure remain aligned with recognized best practices, regulatory requirements, and the University’s mission.
- Vendors:
- Maintain required ABC permits; check IDs and serve responsibly;
- Serve only in approved areas.
H. Enforcement
Individuals or organizations that violate this policy may be subject to:
- University disciplinary action, up to and including discharge; and/or
- Law enforcement action if the behavior violates criminal law.
Related Requirements
External Regulations
University Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Contact Information
Policy Contact
Name/Unit: Aaron Bachenheimer, Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Email: bachenhe@email.unc.edu
Phone: 919-966-4043
Publication Details
Responsible Unit: Office of the Chancellor
Last Reviewed: July 23, 2026
Next Review Date: August 1, 2027