Law and Campus Policy
UWF Alcohol Policy
Local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages are in force on the university campus.. Specifically, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to possess alcoholic beverages on the premises; to sell, give, serve or permit alcoholic beverages to be served to any person under 21; or to misrepresent his or her age or the age of any other person for the purpose of inducing any licensee or his agents or employees to sell, give, serve or deliver any alcoholic beverage to a person under 21. Any violation of the preceding will be cause for disciplinary action and/or prosecution. Refer to the “University of West Florida’s Alcohol Policy and Guidelines” which is available at the Office of Student Affairs, Building 21.
Possession, service, use, or consumption of alcohol by individuals under the legal drinking age is prohibited. Students under age 21 are not permitted to have or consume alcohol in University Housing or on adjoining property outside the buildings; this includes parking lots and grounds surrounding the University Housing areas and recreational areas. The University Police will issue a Student Affairs referral to underage students who are found in violation of this law. See the University of West Florida Student Planner and Handbook for the University Alcohol Policy.
Important Rules to Remember
1.Students who display intoxicated behavior or who require assistance due to consumption of alcohol are subject to judicial action.
2. In accordance with the University of West Florida’s Alcohol policy, only beer and wine are permitted in University Housing by residents of legal age.
3. Students who are 21 years old may consume beer and wine in their assigned room but not in the presence of anyone below the legal drinking age.
4. Beer kegs, party balls, funnels and hard liquors are not permitted in or around University Housing.
5. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold, served or otherwise distributed to minors.
6. Possession of open containers of alcohol or consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas, such as walkways, balconies, grounds areas, pool areas, stairwells, courtyards, picnic areas, kitchen areas, parking lots or loading zones adjacent to University Housing, and other University Housing areas, is prohibited.
7. Social gatherings at which alcohol is served must be conducted in accordance with the University of West Florida Alcohol Policy. University Housing staff may make the determination that a gathering exceeds safe occupancy and may require some or all guests or non-residents to vacate a University Housing area.
8. Any University official has the right to request appropriate student identification when questioning an individual’s age for alcohol consumption purposes.
9. Collections or decorative displays of empty beer or alcohol bottles, cans or containers or other such items are not permitted in University Housing areas.
Florida Law
Statute |
Offense |
Charges |
562.111 |
Possession of alcohol by a person under 21 y/o |
|
322.2616 |
Person who is under 21 y/o with a BAC higher than .02 while operating a vehicle |
|
562.11 |
Giving, selling or serving alcohol to a person who is under 21 y/o |
|
562.12 |
You may not sell alcohol without a license or with an improper license |
|
322.212 |
Possessing a fake ID |
|
322.212 |
Altering the birth date on an ID |
|
316.1936 |
Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles is prohibited, both for drivers and passengers |
|
316.193 |
DUI |
|
768.125 |
You can be held liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of a minor or person habitually addicted to alcohol if you sold or furnished alcohol to such a person. |
|
Information for Parents
- Tips for college parents on speaking to students about alcohol.
- See the Education Development Center web site for more information on alcohol, drugs, and college.
- Changing the Culture has plenty of information for parents who have children at college.
- The Century Council is an organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.
- Phoenix House is a site with parent guides, online discussions, and many additional resources for parents.