Alcohol Policy Guidelines Explained

Enforcement of the policy will begin on June 1st, 2019.

1) To prohibit the consumption of alcohol exceeding 15% ABV at or on Sigma Pi premises or events; (2) to limit the consumption of any alcohol at or on chapter premises or events to alumni, collegiate members, and invited guests who are of legal drinking age; and (3) to set for the conditions that must be met in order for alcohol to be consumed at or on chapter premises or events.

In any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by a Sigma Pi Entity, including those that occur on or off its Premises:

1. Sigma Pi Entity, members, and guests must comply with all federal, state, provincial, and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, consume, provide, or be provided alcoholic beverages.

2. Sigma Pi Entity, members, and guests must follow the federal law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on Premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the Sigma Pi Entity.

3. Alcoholic beverages must either be: (1) provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or (2) brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system.

The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any Sigma Pi Entity Premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.

4. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities, which are not being served by a licensed and insured third party vendor, are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event).

5. Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with Sigma Pi Entity funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).

6. A Sigma Pi Entity must not co-host or co-sponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol.

7. A Sigma Pi Entity must not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter, or alcohol distributor; however, a Chapter may rent a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host a Sigma Pi Entity event.

8. Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the Sigma Pi Entity must utilize a guest list system. Attendance at events with alcohol is limited to a 3:1 maximum guest-to-member ratio, and must not exceed local fire or building code capacity of the Premises or host venue.

9. Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment, intake, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into Sigma Pi, including but not limited to “bid night,” “Big/Little” events or activities, “family” events or activities, and any ritual or ceremony.

10. Sigma Pi Entity members or guests must not permit, encourage, coerce, glorify or participate in any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.

No, it does not. Both alumni and collegiate members, who are of the legal drinking age, are allowed to consume alcohol under 15% ABV on chapter property.

The term “premises” for purposes of this policy means premises, residence, domicile, or facility owned or used by any chapter or affiliate of Sigma Pi International, Inc. to conduct fraternity operations, meetings or events, including:

• a residential property owned by a Sigma Pi entity that includes sleeping quarters;
• a residential property owned by a 3rd party leased to a Sigma Pi entity;
• a University owned property leased to a Sigma Pi entity (could also be a University dormitory);
• a property owned by a Sigma Pi entity with no sleeping quarters.

A Sigma Pi Entity is defined as Sigma Pi International, Inc., and any chapters, colonies, housing organizations, and alumni organizations recognized by Sigma Pi International, Inc. as such, but (a) only while acting in accordance with Sigma Pi International, Inc.’s policies and procedures, and (b) only while acting in their official capacity, and (c) only while acting within the scope of their duties, and (d) only with respect to their liability for activities performed by them on behalf of the Sigma Pi International, Inc., or of any chapters, colonies, housing organizations, and alumni organizations.

Policies regarding Fraternity functions not on chapter premises will remain the same. Please review our full risk management policy at sigmapi.org/policies including BYOB (BYOB is defined as one (1) six-pack of 12-ounce beers or one (1) four-pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to consume an alcoholic beverage) and third-party vendor guidelines.

Chapter leadership and volunteers will be held accountable in ensuring this policy is enforced. If the policy is violated, please anonymously report it through this form. Please note this policy does not go into effect until June 1st, 2019.

The North-American Interfraternity Conference announced similar decision to ban hard alcohol across all 66 member organizations by September 1, 2019. Alongside the NIC announcement, Sigma Pi stated that we would be developing our own policy to align with that standard.

Our fifth obligation states “at all times be a gentleman and use moderation in all things.” With this in mind, it is pertinent that our collegiate men make smart, sound decisions regarding the consumption of alcohol, as well as establish a culture within their chapters that provide a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their guests.

As stated, Sigma Pi is not alcohol-free. The Grand Council is banning hard alcohol over 15% ABV from chapter properties. Many alcohol beverages such as beer and wine fall under that mark and are still allowed if the individuals are of legal drinking age.

If you have any additional questions or concerns please reach out to your Chapter Management Associate/Growth Specialist.