Despite the fact that Guilford’s handbook has stated for years that open containers of alcohol are not allowed outside of private resident halls on campus, that rule has not always been enforced. But this year, Campus Life and Public Safety are making a concerted effort to actually punish students who violate the rule. Aside from the porches of the Apartments North and themed houses, Guilford students who are over 21 must keep their drinks inside their residence halls. Not doing so may result in a judicial hearing or fine.

“Since I got here in January, we’ve been trying to move towards (enforcing the policy),” said Ron Stowe, director of Public Safety. “This semester, (Campus Life and Public Safety) decided that we would maybe make a little more push to get off the right foot in the (enforcing the policy) regard.”

Public Safety, RAs, and HDs may be the ones making sure the rule is followed, but it was Campus Life who initially made the decision to pay more attention to what’s in students’ cups.

“Quite frankly, I got frustrated,” said Dean of Students Aaron Fetrow. “I walked around on a Saturday night just to see what was going on, and there were (underage students) with red cups everywhere, filled with alcohol. It’s the law, and we can’t ignore the law.”

Preventing underage drinking is one of the main reasons behind enforcing the policy. However, it’s also about keeping the campus safe and promoting a pleasant atmosphere for all members of the community.

“I think it’s a safety measure all the way around,” said junior Lauren Manley, an RA in Bryan. “It’s to make sure that underage people aren’t drinking, and people aren’t walking around belligerently throwing cups in people’s faces.”

“We care about the campus and the image we project to our visitors,” said Stowe. “If we allowed people to . without any rules or regulations walk around the campus drinking, it would send the wrong message to our visitors and community.”

Campus life, Public Safety, and RAs and HDs all stress that though they intend to enforce the alcohol policy, students are still allowed to have open containers of other drinks. Students may still walk to class with a cup of coffee without worrying about being stopped by Public Safety for a sniff test.

“If it’s Sunday morning and you’re drinking a cup of coffee, or it’s Wednesday at 4 p.m. and you just got something from the underground, that’s not a problem,” said Manley. “I wouldn’t say (the policy’s) more enforced on the weekends, but if it’s 10 p.m. on a Friday and you’re standing in a crowd outside of the old apartments . there’s more of a reason to believe you have something.”

“We’re not breaking down doors looking for you,” said Fetrow. “What we’re talking about here is drunken belligerent behavior, and that’s what we’re punishing. What we’re trying to do here is to educate about moderation and about responsible use.