Students and employees must be aware that there are significant criminal penalties under state and federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. Penalties include:
- Consumption of alcohol by a minor – up to a $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail.
- Illegal sale of alcohol – up to $3,000 fine and/or one year in jail.
- Possession of a small amount of marijuana – up to a $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail.
- Sale or possession of controlled substances – up to a $1,000,000 fine and/or 30 years in jail.
More detailed descriptions of applicable local, state or federal laws covering the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are on reserve in the college library.
A host or organization accepting donations or charging for alcoholic beverages served may, in some circumstances, be guilty of selling liquor without a license and may also be liable if someone served becomes intoxicated and his or her behavior results in injury or loss to another person. Both criminal and civil liability can result.