ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia will not be selling alcohol at athletic events in general seating areas next season, the school says.
UGA's athletics director made the official announcement, Tuesday. The policy applies for the 2019-20 academic year, the school says.
“After consideration of the many facets involved with the Southeastern Conference’s revised alcohol policy, the Athletic Association has made the decision to maintain, at this time, the current UGA policy which prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in non-premium seating areas of our athletics facilities,” said athletic director Greg McGarity.
The news comes after the SEC - the conference UGA belongs to - made changes to its policy alcohol sales at athletic events. Under the new rules, each institution in the conference has the autonomy to decide whether it will sell alcoholic drinks at its venues.
While the alcohol policy applies to general seating, last month UGA did approve the sale of alcohol limited to one specific area of Sanford Stadium - the club level reserved for members of the Magill Society.
Despite the school's stance now, they did note that it may not stay the same permanently.
“We will conduct an annual review of this policy to determine if any modifications may be needed in the future,” McGarity said.