On December 12, 1989, Congress amended Title XII of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This amendment, known as the “Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989” requires that every educational institution receiving federal funding certify its adoption and implementation of programs designed to prevent use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. 

In support of this requirement, Bristol Community College is committed to maintaining a drug-free work and learning environment for employees and students.  

This Alcohol and Other Drug overview is established to provide required information and guidance for visitors to the college.  

Students and employees should visit the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for more detailed information.

Bristol Community College, in accordance with legal mandates and its philosophy of establishing and maintaining an environment of learning and a supportive environment in which to conduct the business and mission of the college, supports the following: 

Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs 

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or of a controlled substance is prohibited on the campuses of Bristol Community College including while using a motor vehicle owned or leased by the college, or as a part of any college-related activity.  

The State Liquor Control Act, M.G.L. Chapter 138 regulates "alcoholic beverages" as that term is defined by law. The law defines "alcoholic beverages" to be "any liquid intended for human consumption as a beverage and containing one half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume at sixty degrees Fahrenheit." Approved exceptions for alcohol use are limited to college events, with an approved liquor permit.  See Event Management below, which describes the process for approved exceptions. 

Massachusetts Regulations 

Bristol Community College cooperates in the enforcement of federal, state and local laws concerning illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages. Massachusetts statutes pertaining to illegal drugs and alcohol include: 

  • Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 94C (Controlled Substances Act) 
  • Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 59 (Public Drinking) 
  • Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 24 (Operating Under the Influence, Open Containers) 

Under-age drinking is prohibited at Bristol Community College. 

Massachusetts Penalties 

Prescribed penalties under Chapter 94 range from mandatory probation for a first conviction for possession of a class E substance, to a period of imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each subsequent conviction related to sale or distribution (Class A-E substances). Prescribed penalties under Chapter 90, Section 24 range from a fine of one hundred dollars ($100) to imprisonment for not more than two years and a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Federal judicial guidelines also exist which impose penalties for violation of federal criminal statutes related to drugs and alcohol. Other towns within the college’s service area may have similar or additional penalties in place related to alcohol and drug use. 

Event Management including liquor permits 

Occasionally, Bristol Community College hosts events where liquor may be served to individuals over the age of 21. Liquor is served only with a college permit, which requires both administrative approval and Campus Police oversight. Historically, there have been very few events with student representation. If a student of legal age attends this type of event, they will be permitted to use alcohol. However, they are reminded of the Expectation of Behavior in the Student Code of Conduct.  Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated when attending an approved event. Similarly, employees are expected to comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct. 

Requests for alcohol use on campus must be made at the same time as an event request. Visit BristolCC.edu/eventscheduling

No alcoholic beverages may be consumed, served, sold or stored on any college campus without the advance written approval from the Vice President of Administration and Finance. This approval process is initiated at the time of the event request and will be processed through Event Management and with Campus Police. This approval includes ensuring a valid permit has been obtained and that when alcohol is served or sold by anyone, it must be served or sold strictly in accordance with applicable state law. The approval also requires a responsible person as the event’s contact and will include all arrangements for the delivery, service, sale, storage, and removal of alcoholic beverages on Bristol Community College property.