SEC Vote Gives Schools Option To Sell Alcohol At Sporting Events

The SEC has "cleared the path for member schools to sell alcohol at sporting events," as school presidents voted Friday to "lift the ban on stadium-wide alcohol sales." The new policy will go into effect on Aug. 1. The SEC had been the "only Power 5 conference to prohibit alcohol sales in general seating areas." The conference allowed for alcohol sale and consumption in "private or leased areas, such as premium seating areas" (KNOXNEWS.com, 5/31).

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey indicated the vote was not unanimous, saying, "There were different opinions in the room." Sankey said that he "expects 'a mix' of decisions among the SEC schools on how they will move forward with the ruling, and there will be league-wide alcohol management expectations" (AJC.com, 5/31).