Hard Liquor Ban: Notre Dame's Dry Campus Policy

The University of Notre Dame has a strict alcohol policy for students, staff, and fans. While the university previously banned alcohol sales at sporting events, it will start selling alcoholic beverages at football, hockey, and basketball games from the 2025 season. This change aims to boost revenue and attendance, aligning with other collegiate stadiums. Students of legal age can possess or transport alcohol for personal use in their on-campus residences, but excessive consumption, drinking games, and open containers in common areas are prohibited. Hard alcohol restrictions exist, with only alcohol under 14% allowed in dorms. The university promotes responsible consumption and a safe environment for all.

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Alcohol under 14% is permitted in dorms

The University of Notre Dame permits students to possess and consume alcohol under 14% alcohol by volume in undergraduate residence halls. However, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers is prohibited in the corridors and common areas of University residence facilities, such as lounges or lobbies. Students of legal age may possess or transport a reasonable amount of alcohol for personal use to their on-campus residence in closed containers and suitable packaging, consistent with the concept of responsible and moderate consumption.

The University expects its students to exercise active care and concern for their health, safety, and well-being, as well as that of their peers. This includes contacting the appropriate authorities in the event of any health or safety emergency, even if it involves a violation of the University's alcohol policy. The abusive drinking of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, and the University outlines specific behaviours that are considered violations, such as participating in drinking games, consuming shots, and drinking to the point of physical illness.

While alcohol is permitted in dorms under certain conditions, the University of Notre Dame has a strict policy regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus. Students are required to comply with applicable local laws and University regulations. Any person under 21 years of age is considered underage and may not lawfully possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Students found in violation of these policies may be referred to the University Conduct Process for underage consumption, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages.

In recent years, there has been a shift in the University's approach to alcohol sales during sporting events. Traditionally, Notre Dame Stadium has refused to sell alcohol at concessions, citing tradition and the vision of moral superiority. However, starting with the 2025 football season, the University will expand alcohol sales to include both premium and general admission seating. This decision aligns with the practices of other collegiate stadiums and venues and is expected to boost concessions sales and attendance while allowing for better regulation of alcohol consumption during games.

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Alcohol sales at sporting events

The University of Notre Dame has long been associated with a conservative stance on alcohol consumption, with some referring to it as a "dry" campus. However, in recent years, there have been shifts in its alcohol policies, particularly regarding sporting events.

Historically, Notre Dame Stadium has maintained a ban on alcohol sales at its concessions, citing tradition as the primary reason. This stance remained firm even as other collegiate athletic programs embraced the sale of alcoholic beverages as a means to improve margins. The university's refusal to serve alcohol at general concessions created a sense of exclusivity, as premium ticket holders in the club seats could enjoy all-inclusive beer and wine.

However, starting with the 2025 football season, Notre Dame announced an expansion of alcohol sales at its sporting events. This includes football, hockey, and basketball games, where fans with both premium and general admission tickets will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at concession stands inside the stadiums. The university's statement highlighted its commitment to promoting responsible consumption while providing a modern fan experience consistent with other collegiate venues.

This shift in policy aligns with the efforts of other universities, such as Nebraska, which has also recently changed its alcohol policy to allow sales at its Memorial Stadium. The decision by Notre Dame to expand alcohol sales is partly driven by financial considerations, as athletics programs seek new revenue streams amidst rising costs. Additionally, the university aims to boost attendance and enhance the fan experience by offering concessions that meet the expectations of modern spectators.

It is worth noting that Notre Dame has implemented various measures to curb abusive drinking on campus. For example, hard alcohol has been banned from residence halls, and rules regarding drinking at hall-sponsored events have been tightened. These changes have reportedly led to a decrease in overall drinking and partying within the residence halls.

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Alcohol advertising

The University of Notre Dame has a strict policy regarding alcohol advertising on its campus. The advertising of alcoholic beverages is prohibited within University residence facilities, including posters, signs, and displays of empty alcohol containers. Student groups are generally not allowed to sponsor events that include alcohol or are held at facilities that primarily sell alcohol, such as bars or breweries. However, in limited circumstances, a student group may request an exemption to this policy by providing detailed information about the event and ensuring moderate and legal consumption.

The University also has guidelines for student organizations regarding alcohol possession and consumption. Students of legal age may possess or transport a reasonable amount of alcohol for personal use to their on-campus residence, provided it is in closed containers and suitable packaging. They may also consume alcoholic beverages at approved University events or when served at a licensed campus facility. However, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers is prohibited in common areas of University residence facilities.

When it comes to athletic events, Notre Dame has recently expanded alcohol sales at its sporting events, including football, hockey, and basketball games. Starting with the 2025 season, fans will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at concession stands inside the stadium and other venues. This decision aligns with the practices of other collegiate and professional venues and aims to modernize the fan experience while promoting responsible consumption and a safe environment for all attendees.

To promote responsible drinking, Notre Dame can implement strategies such as mobile ordering and pickup to reduce congestion at concession stands and ensure a seamless experience for fans. Additionally, partnering with organizations like the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) can help promote responsible consumption through various programs and initiatives. Clear policies and communication about alcohol sales and consumption are essential to creating a positive and safe game-day experience for all fans.

Overall, while Notre Dame has traditionally been conservative in its approach to alcohol, the recent expansion of alcohol sales and the allowance of alcohol advertising under specific guidelines demonstrate a shift towards modernizing the fan experience and promoting responsible consumption.

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Underage drinking

The University of Notre Dame has a strict policy on alcohol consumption and possession for its students. The legal drinking age in the State of Indiana is 21 years, and the university expects all students to comply with this law. Underage consumption, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages on campus can lead to disciplinary action, including referral to the University Conduct Process.

The university's guidelines, du Lac: A Guide to Student Life, emphasise the importance of health, safety, and well-being for all members of the Notre Dame community. Students are expected to act responsibly and seek help in case of any health or safety emergency, even if it involves violations of the university's alcohol policy.

While the university has traditionally maintained a ban on alcohol sales at sporting events, this policy is evolving. Beginning with the 2025 football season, Notre Dame will allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at football, hockey, and basketball games, including both premium and general admission seating areas. This decision aims to provide a modern fan experience, boost attendance, and increase revenue for the university.

Despite the upcoming changes in alcohol sales at sporting events, the university remains committed to promoting responsible consumption and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals on campus, including those who are underage.

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Drinking games

The University of Notre Dame has a strict alcohol policy that prohibits the possession and consumption of hard alcohol in residence halls and at hall dances. The policy also bans drinking games, shots, "shotgunning", and the use of instruments associated with alcohol abuse, such as beer bongs.

Despite these rules, students have found ways to engage in drinking games and excessive drinking during tailgating events before football games. They have moved to off-campus locations, such as nearby apartment complexes or rented front yards, to indulge in drinking games like "kegs and eggs" and "waffles and whiskey".

However, starting with the 2025 football season, Notre Dame plans to expand alcohol sales to all fans at home games, including those in premium and general admission seating. This decision aims to provide a modern fan experience and boost concession sales while promoting responsible consumption and ensuring a safe environment.

While some argue that allowing alcohol sales during games may lead to rowdiness or violence, others point out that it could decrease drunkenness issues as fans would not binge drink before entering the stadium. The university's decision to expand alcohol sales reflects a shift in priorities to increase revenue and provide a contemporary fan experience, similar to other collegiate stadiums across the nation.

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