South Dakota universities to begin selling more alcohol at general admission events next school year

The South Dakota Board of Regents approved an expanded alcohol sales policy Thursday, which will "extend the sale of alcoholic beverages into general admission areas of performing arts and athletic events."

The policy was approved unanimously at the Regents' June meeting at the University of South Dakota.

Once in effect at the start of the 2022-23 school year, the six universities governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents are permitted (yet not required) to allow alcohol sales at performing arts and athletic events. The universities include:

• South Dakota Mines

• Northern State University

• Black Hills State

• University of South Dakota

• South Dakota State University

• Dakota State University

"This change came from a request from South Dakota public university students," said BOR Executive Director Dr. Brian Maher. "We're seeing a move toward general admission alcohol sales at collegiate events across the country; it seemed like a good time to revisit South Dakota's policy as well."