Laidley Field Beer Sales: What the Updated Policy Means

Q: Will beer be sold at high school football games or KCS events?

A: No. Beer will not be sold at any Kanawha County Schools events, or any event that involves K-12 students. 

That includes, but is not limited, to events like:

●      High school & middle school football games

●      High school & middle school track meets

●      Marching band festivals/competitions

●      Field days

●      Exceptional games

●      State Tournaments

●      Any K-12 school-related event

It has always been against KCS Policy to sell beer at events like the ones listed above, and this updated policy does not change that.

Q: What is the reason for updating this policy?

A: This update does not introduce anything new. Beer has already been sold at certain non-school events at Laidley Field for years, legally, with proper permits and licenses.

The reason this policy was updated was:

●      Updated outdated language from when the policy was created in 1986. The policy had not been updated since then.

●      Aligns KCS policy with what has already been happening legally.

●      Add clear guidelines for how it is handled.

Q: When is beer allowed to be sold at Laidley Field?

A: Only during events that are hosted by outside organizations, that are not connected to any K-12 School, renting the facility. For example, The University of Charleston football games.

Q: Who is responsible for beer sales at these events?

A: Not Kanawha County Schools. The event organizer is responsible for:

●      Securing proper licenses and permits

●      Following all state and local laws

●      Managing sales and service

Q: How much is Kanawha County School making from alcohol sales?

A: Alcohol can only be sold pursuant to a facilities use agreement and under that agreement, Laidley Field is rented to an entity.  A price will be set in that Agreement. The renter will sell the beer and receive the proceeds. Kanawha County Schools, as an entity, will have no hand in selling the beer or receiving money directly from its sale.

Q: Can people bring their own alcohol into events?

A: No. All beer sold at Laidley Field must be sold by an approved vendor at an approved non-school event.

Q: How is this monitored and enforced?

A: All events and approved vendors must follow state and local alcohol laws, facility use agreements. There will also be oversight from Laidley Field management.

Q: Does this affect students or school-day activities?

A: No. There is no impact on school-day use, practices, KCS athletics, or events.

Q: If this policy doesn’t change anything, why change it now?

A: While reviewing policies, we found existing language that dated back to 1986 and did not reflect how the facility is currently used. This update ensures:

●      KCS policies match current, legal practices;

●      Expectations are clearly defined; and,

●      There is no confusion moving forward.

Summary: Beer has not, and will not, be sold during KCS events or during events that involve K-12 students (ex: State Track Meet.) This update aligns policy with what has already been happening legally at certain non-school events.