Regents delay discussion of alcohol sales policy for South Dakota colleges
The South Dakota Board of Regents won’t be discussing the potential for alcohol sales on college campuses this fall at its next meeting in May, but that doesn’t mean the idea is off the table completely.
SDBOR executive director Brian Maher said the board hasn't made a decision on expanding alcohol sales at BOR facilities for this fall, and noted direction at the board’s March meeting was for staff to "conduct the necessary diligence and bring the topic back for consideration at a future meeting."
The next Regents meeting is set for May 10, and the delay comes despite student government associations at all six public universities having passed resolutions in support of changing the policy to allow alcohol sales on campus. Multiple groups of students have spoken at December and March BOR meetings to lobby for the change.
"The decision is not one that should be made in haste, and warrants appropriate deliberation," Maher said.
What's the current policy for alcohol sales on South Dakota campuses?
South Dakota law allows “periodic retail sale of malt beverages or wine for consumption” on campuses at locations and times authorized by the Board of Regents, such as at performing arts, athletics, fundraisers, receptions, conferences or other events.
However, current BOR policy restricts alcoholic beverage sales at athletic events to box suite and loge areas. Those sitting in general admission areas, which is the large majority of fans and students, can’t drink at the games.
More: Policy change on alcohol sales at home games delayed at Board of Regents until May
Student resolutions from South Dakota Mines and South Dakota State University argue that the safety of the campus venues “eliminates drugs and promotes a safe drinking culture where overserving is not allowed or tolerated, and violent or unsafe behavior can be swiftly met by security and/or law enforcement."
Both the SDSU and Mines resolutions cite a 2015 BOR task force report that found SDSU could make $122,000 and Mines could make $15,000 in concession income.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Alcohol sale policies at South Dakota colleges won’t happen ‘in haste’
