Piedmont Village Alcohol Use Policy

Recognizing the capacity of students to make sound choices, alcoholic beverages for private consumption by those residents and their guests who are 21 and over is permitted in the Village. The vitality of the academic community relies on each individual taking personal responsibility for their actions regarding alcohol use and for safeguarding the well-being of others. The abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs place the health and safety of individuals at risk and directly contradicts the mission of our College and the success of our community of learners. Students whose drinking creates a risk of danger to the health and safety of themselves or others are subject to suspension and/or loss of other College privileges, including residency in the Village.

1. If all residents of a Piedmont Village Suite are 21 years of age or older at the start of the semester, alcohol is permitted in the suite.
2. Alcohol is permitted only in the Village Suite where all residents are of legal drinking age.
3. No alcohol may be consumed in the presence of minors.
4. Serving or providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited.
5. Students who host an event in their Village Suite where alcoholic beverages are being consumed are responsible for ensuring that underage students and/or guests are not in attendance.
6. Any student, regardless of age, found to be intoxicated, will be evaluated by campus staff for medical treatment. Any student, regardless of age, requiring medical treatment, will be required to participate in alcohol evaluation and education.
7. Beer kegs in any condition, beer balls, any similar type of common source and their equivalents in volume of beer and/or alcohol content are prohibited.
8. Possession of alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: electronic alcohol signs, any empty alcohol containers, drinking game supplies, funnels, including bottle and can collections or other items deemed inappropriate by Residence Life staff.
9. Any alcohol being transported must be completely covered from open view and be taken directly to the resident’s Village Suite.
10. Open containers and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in hallways, stairwells, lounges, parking lots, common areas or on the grounds of the Village. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in any public area (outside the Village Suites) is strictly prohibited (common areas, parking lots, etc.).
11. The maximum occupancy of a Village Suite should not exceed 12 people at any given time.
12. Students who are 21 or over and choose to consume alcohol must not exhibit loud, disruptive or indecent behavior, vandalize property, or interfere with the cleanliness of the residence halls.
13. Students are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times.

All Piedmont Village residents will comply with the laws of Habersham County and the State of Georgia regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcohol. Violations of these guidelines may result in criminal charges, college sanctions and/or loss of campus housing privileges. This policy will be reviewed annually by the Piedmont College Administration.