DSU president can authorize alcohol sales at BAC events

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The State Board of Higher Education approved an amendment to its alcohol policy permitting alcohol at “special events” at the Badlands Activity Center, Thursday afternoon.

With the amendment, DSU President Dr. Richard McCallum is authorized to approve special permits allowing the sale and service of wine, beer and liquor at designated university events.

Constance Walter, director of university relations at DSU, said the university will be working with state and local officials to determine special permit policies and what events would warrant a permit.

McCallum was out of state and unavailable for comment.

“This was discussed very carefully for several months and this was formulated through the chancellor’s office,” Walter said. “It’s intended to accommodate both public and private events.”

The BAC, which is still under construction, will include space for a variety of events, including private parties, receptions and trade shows.

However, the amendment will only allow alcohol in certain areas of the BAC.

Alcoholic beverages would not be allowed at K-12 school events, said a summary of the amendment.

Pat Seaworth, general counsel for SBHE, said the board’s alcohol policy is not amended very often, with the last amendment taking place about five years ago.

Seaworth said some North Dakota university presidents have issued special permits to allow for activities like tailgating.

North Dakota State University students often participate in tailgating festivities at the FARGODOME, but because the land is city-owned, NDSU’s president does not need to issue a special permit, Seaworth said.

The BAC would fall under SBHE policy as it is on university property, Seaworth said.

The Ralph Engelstad Arena at the University of North Dakota and commercial establishments on land leased from North Dakota University System institutions are exceptions to board policy restricting alcohol service, sales and consumption on college property, according to the SBHE alcohol policy.

Seaworth said prior to University of North Dakota football games being held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, UND used to allow tailgating on campus during certain events such as football games.

“The president issued permits that permitted alcoholic beverages for tailgating in a designated part of a parking lot that was adjacent to the Memorial Stadium at UND,” Seaworth said.

Tags: news, local, dsu, alcohol