Off-Campus Living - The University of Missouri

Alcohol Laws
Other Pertinent State and Local Laws
MU Drug and Alcohol Policy
M-Book

Illegal Possession of Alcohol
Any person under the age of 21 that purchases asks for in or in any way receives intoxicating liquor can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Use of Possession of a Fake ID
Any person who is less that 21 years of age, who uses a reproduced, modified, or altered license for the purpose of purchasing, asking for or in any way receiving any intoxicating liquor can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Open Container
Any person who posses an open container of alcohol on any street, sidewalk or city parking facility could be charged with a misdemeanor.
Selling Alcohol without a License
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell alcohol, in any quantity, without acquiring a liquor license. If you sell alcohol at or charge admission to a party, the person accepting the money could be charged with selling liquor without a license. Sentences for this violation involve up to two years in prison and/or fines of up to $1,000. If the alcohol is served to a minor, the server could also be charged with supplying alcohol to a minor.

Keg Registration
All retailers selling beer kegs must register the keg and affix a seal on the keg at the time of sale. The retailer will log the purchaser’s name, address, and the acknowledgement of proper use and care of the keg. If a keg is confiscated by the police at a party at which underage persons have consumed alcohol, the purchaser of the keg can be identified-and arrested or fined-for supplying alcohol to underage persons. If a keg is returned with an ID tag defaced or missing, the deposit fee required at the time of sale is forfeited.

DWI
The legal BAC limit for DWI is .08. Those under 21 could be found guilty of a Zero Tolerance violation if their BAC is above .02. Consequences could include: fines, license revocation, classes, community service, and jail time, as well as misdemeanor or felony charges on one’s record.

Abuse and Lose Law
In Missouri, anyone under 21 years old and operating a motor vehicle with either alcohol or illegal drugs in their possession can have their driver’s license revoked for 90 days. The Abuse and Lose law also requires that your license be revoked for 90 days if you commit any of the following offenses: any alcohol related traffic offense; possessing or using an illegal drug; altering a driver’s license; trying to use someone else’s driver license. Second and subsequent offenses result in a one year license suspension.

Minor in Possession by Consumption Law
Provides that any person under the age of 21, who purchases or attempts to purchase, or has in his or her possession, any intoxicating substance is guilty of a misdemeanor. This act provides that a minor is also guilty of a misdemeanor for a “minor in possession” if he or she is “visibly intoxicated” or has a detectable blood alcohol content of .02.

Check out: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/code_of_ordinances for more information about city ordinances.

Watch Your Noise Level

Music that disturbs others or that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The same is true between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. from a distance of 100 feet. You could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.
Any music from a vehicle that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet is prohibited at any time.
Yelling and shouting that disturbs others is illegal at any time.

Fireworks are Illegal

Discharging fireworks within city limits is illegal.

Do Not Urinate in Public

Any person found urinating in public can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Be Wary of Stolen Property

It is illegal to receive stolen property.

It is illegal to steal street signs or to receive stolen street signs. Any person caught could be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value.

Keep Your Property Clean

Properties must be kept clear of excessive trash. Yards of all homes must be kept clear or inappropriate items such as tires, appliances, furniture, etc. A fine could result. Do not keep your indoor furniture such as couches and arm chairs on your on your porch or in your lawn.

Do Not Trespass

Any person found trespassing on a private lot can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Watch Where and How You Park

Vehicles cannot be parked at any time on grass or yellow lines, or with the left side of the vehicles to the curb.
Vehicles cannot block, be parked on or across sidewalks or driveways.
Parking your vehicle in a public place for longer than 24 hours and leaving a wrecked or dismantled vehicle on a public street or private property is prohibited.
It is illegal to operate unlicensed vehicles (this includes expired plates and vehicles with no license plates).

Check out: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/code_of_ordinances for more information about city ordinances.

Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of Missouri is required to establish a drug and alcohol prevention program for its students and employees. The University of Missouri program is described in this brochure. A biennial review of this program will be done to determine its effectiveness, to implement changes to the program if they are needed and to ensure that the University's disciplinary sanctions described within are consistently enforced.
A handy reference listing of MU resources for drug and alcohol counseling, referral, and educational programs is also included. Please feel free to contact any of the officers listed for more information.

Standards of Conduct
University of Missouri regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by University students and employees on University-owned or controlled property and at University-sponsored or supervised activities.

Legal Sanctions
Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 to imprisonment for terms up to and including life.
http://www.missouri.edu/~regwww/Policies_Rules_and_Regulations/drugs.htm