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Michael DeLuca attempts to walk in a straight line for UGA police Sgt. Tipton while wearing goggles that simulate intoxication near the Tate Student Center Thursday.

Officials remind tailgaters of policy

Gameday policies discussed

By: BRIAN MINK

Posted: 9/7/07

For football fans, an illegal procedure won't just result in a five-yard penalty, it could land them with a hefty fine or a night in jail.

That's the message of Safe Campuses Now, a local non-profit focusing on crime awareness and prevention. Members of Safe Campuses Now were stationed outside the Tate Center Thursday to inform students of increased enforcement of alcohol laws, such as open-container, underage drinking and DUI.

Keith Sims, the organization's executive director, said the organization tries not to be preachy in its message but hopes repetition will help students think about the potential consequences of their actions.

Representatives from Safe Campuses Now, who are collaborating with University Police, will be at Tate or East Village Commons every Thursday before home games from 1 to 4 p.m. providing literature and demonstrations.

Amanda Smith, co-student director of Safe Campuses Now, said she joined the organization after listening to the story of a man serving a 13-year prison sentence for DUI and vehicular homicide.

"It really opened my eyes to the dangers and consequences" of using alcohol irresponsibly, she said.

Tailgaters also should be aware of police enforcing a variety of regulations instituted during the last several years as part of the University's Gameday Gameplan.

University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said the University made no changes to the plan this year but is working to better enforce some aspects of it.

The majority of the plan focuses on safety and keeping a tranquil atmosphere for on-campus residents, he said.

"If [tailgaters] can just drink at a responsible level and be mindful of others, I think it should be a great day for every- body," he said.

Here are a few of the policies tailgaters should be aware of this year:

• No tailgating setups before 7 a.m. on gamedays. Fans coming from other cities still may arrive and park their cars before Saturday, as long as they don't setup tailgating equipment.

• Cable and power hookups to University property are forbidden. All equipment should be powered by the owners of the equipment, possibly through their vehicles.

• Portable restrooms now are available throughout campus on gamedays. The Boyd Graduate Studies Building, Tate Center, Student Learning Center, Main Library and East Village Commons also have permanent public restrooms that may be used on gamedays.

• Corporate and professional tailgates must receive clearance from the University. Additionally, tailgates with security, disc jockeys, bartenders or sale of products or services are prohibited.

• A portion of the North Campus Quad near the Administration Building will again be used as a "family-friendly" zone, meaning alcohol is not allowed.

• Gameday parking in the Carlton Street and North Campus parking decks is available for $20 on a first-come, first-served basis. Free public parking is available at the East Campus deck. If necessary, overflow parking in East Campus will be routed to the Intramural Fields.

• Due to fire hazard, grilling in parking decks is not allowed.

• Parking on grass and sidewalks or taking up parking spaces with tailgating equipment could result in fines or towing.