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Policies > Virgiinia Tech and Blacksburg Community Standards

There are few among us that have not been touched by alcohol abuse. Many of us know of someone suffering from alcohol abuse problems, and have experienced the secondhand effects of other’s alcohol consumption. Virginia Tech and The Blacksburg Area Coalition on Alcohol is concerned about the health and safety of our community members. We invite you to join us to help create a community that is free from alcohol abuse, illegal alcohol sales and consumption, and public disturbances resulting from gatherings where alcohol is served.

Community Standards| Reporting Illegal Alcohol-Related Activities

Virginia Tech and Blacksburg Community Standards
We ask all members of the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg community to adopt the following neighborly, healthy, legal, and “low-risk” choices concerning alcohol consumption:

1.	Be a good role model for others, especially minors. Model legal, safe and appropriate behaviors. Encourage discussion about whether, when, where and how much to drink. Be alert to situations where it is inappropriate or illegal to use alcohol, especially when minors are present.
2.	Respect other’s “low-risk” choices concerning alcohol use. For those who choose to drink, “low-risk” consumption is acceptable. Affirm those who choose to drink alcohol legally, safely, and appropriately and support those who choose not to drink.
3.	Do not serve or purchase alcohol for those who are not of legal drinking age.
4.	Remember that alcohol is not essential for enjoying social events. The real value of social events is being with friends and family.
5.	When serving alcohol, adopt the following guidelines:
	a.	Notify neighbors and let them know they can call you if there are any disturbances.
	b.	Emphasize friendship, conversation and other activities rather than drinking alcohol.
	c.	Offer a variety of attractive nonalcoholic drinks and foods, and have them readily available.
	d.	Create an environment that allows your guests to feel comfortable making “low-risk” drinking choices, including choosing not to drink.
	e.	Serve all drinks to guests rather than having an open bar. In this way you can keep an eye on those guests who may be overindulging.
	f.	Do not allow guests to engage in “high-risk” drinking, such as drinking games and chugging.
	g.	Have a guest list, and allow only invited guests to stay at your gathering.
	h.	Do not illegally charge for alcohol, serve minors, or allow minors to consume alcohol.
	i.	Have at least one person who is not drinking for every ten to fifteen people at the gathering to handle any problems that may arise.
	j.	Assume responsibility to help a guest who may have had too much to drink.
	k.	Be alert to and correct any outside disturbances or violations of the town’s noise ordinance.
	l.	Consider providing non-drinking designated drivers for those who may have had too much to drink.
6.	Respect your neighbor’s rights to an environment free from disturbances and high-risk behaviors that put them and other community members at-risk.
7.	Avoid driving after consuming any alcohol, and never drive when impaired by the effects of alcohol.
8.	Never ride with an intoxicated driver, and attempt to prevent others from driving under the influence.
9.	Know and obey the law. Virginia Commonwealth Alcohol Statutes.

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Report Illegal Alcohol-Related Activities:

Virginia ABC (1-540-562-3535)

For an Immediate Response call
Blacksburg Police (951-1150) or Virginia Tech Police (231-6411)

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