SEC Clears Ban on Alcohol Sales With Some Regulations

The Southeastern Conference today announced a revision to its existing limitations on the availability of alcoholic beverages at athletics events.

Ole Miss Rebel fans may soon be able to enjoy a cold beer while sitting under a hot sun while watching various sporting events.

The Southeastern Conference announced today a revision to its existing limitations on the availability of alcoholic beverages at athletics events.

Under this revised policy, each institution in the Conference now has the autonomy to determine the permissibility of selling alcoholic beverages in its athletics venues, subject to certain Conference-wide alcohol management expectations.

However, it was unknown Friday afternoon if the University of Mississippi has plans to start selling alcohol at sporting events this August when the new policy goes into effect.

The revised policy, which was approved during the Conference’s 2019 Spring Meetings, requires any SEC institution choosing to permit alcohol sales at athletic events to establish policies governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages consistent with requirements established and agreed to by the Conference membership. 

The revised policy adopted by the presidents and chancellors requires institutions to implement a series of Conference-wide alcohol management procedures.

“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.”

Any sales of alcoholic beverages in the public seating areas will be limited to beer and wine, and each institution that chooses to sell alcohol will be required to implement a server-training program for staff.

“We are committed as a Conference to ensuring that all changes in policy are implemented in ways that respect and sustain the traditions that make the SEC game-day experience exceptional for all attendees,” Sankey said.

This is a developing story. Read Hottytoddy.com for updates.

Hottytoddy.com staff report