Whether you drink or not, it’s smart to understand how alcohol laws can impact your life—especially in a college town like Chapel Hill. Every year, hundreds of alcohol-related citations are given out. That can mean:
- Possible impacts on jobs, internships, grad school apps, and more
- Fines and court costs
- Time spent dealing with the legal system
What’s illegal
If you’re under 21, it’s against the law to:
- Drink, possess, buy, or try to buy alcohol.
- Use or carry a fake ID (this includes using someone else’s ID as your own).
- Help someone else under 21 get alcohol.
- Have any alcohol in your system—even a sip.
If you’re 21 or older, it’s still illegal to:
- Drive with a BAC of .08 or higher
- Have an open container in public (like on the street, in a car, or in many outdoor spaces—including parts of campus and downtown Chapel Hill)
Big reminder about consent
- If someone is incapacitated by alcohol, they can’t legally consent to sex. Engaging in sexual contact in that situation is considered sexual assault.
- Keep yourself and others safe by always checking for clear, enthusiastic, and sober consent.
Need help or have questions?
- Got a citation? Confused about your rights? Student Legal Services can help – confidentially and for free.
- Learn about UNC’s alcohol policy.
- Managing a tough relationship with alcohol or in recovery? You’re not alone, and support exists right here on campus.