USC sororities propose banning liquor, events in Five Points

The University of South Carolina’s Sorority Council is proposing to ban liquor at social events and end events being held in Columbia’s bar-heavy Five Points entertainment district.

The proposed restrictions could be adopted by a two-thirds vote of sorority chapters, according to a USC Sorority Council statement.

“In the short few weeks that we have been back at school, our community has seen a significant increase in high risk behaviors,” according to the statement. “A large number of our members have been found in very dangerous situations and this has caused many to question the current way our community functions.”

The proposal comes after Five Points-area residents complained of USC students’ behavior, including naked or partially clothed students in their neighborhood.

Other restrictions would include:

- Registering sorority events 10 days before they are held

- A “sober period” for at least 30 minutes prior to a function or social event, designed to ensure members are sober before an event starts

- Requiring that free food and water be provided during the sober period and social event; only beer and wine would be permitted at events

- Sorority members would be allowed to attend only registered and approved organizational social events, including functions, mixers and tailgates

A list of approved events will be released Friday, the statement said.

Cassie Cope: 803-771-8657, @cassielcope

This story was originally published September 14, 2016 at 12:21 PM with the headline "USC sororities propose banning liquor, events in Five Points."