{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/4.1-309.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/4.1-309.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/4.1-309.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/4.1-309.html"}],"law_id":76473,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76473,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-309","catch_line":"Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages in or on public school grounds; penalty","history":"1954, c. 651, \u00a7 4-78.1; 1982, c. 288; 1991, c. 710; 1993, c. 866; 1994, c. 844; 1997, cc. 784, 837; 2007, c. 813; 2024, cc. 111, 255, 619, 622, 627.","full_text":"A\n\nNo person shall possess or drink any alcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school during school hours or school or student activities.B\n\nIn addition, no person shall drink and no organization shall serve any alcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school after school hours or school or student activities, except for religious congregations using wine for sacramental purposes only.C\n\nAny person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.D\n\nThis section shall not prohibit any person from possessing or drinking alcoholic beverages or any organization from serving alcoholic beverages in areas approved by the Board at a performing arts facility, provided the organization operating the performing arts facility or its lessee has a license granted by the Board.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":274506,"text":"No person shall possess or drink any alcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school during school hours or school or student activities.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":274507,"text":"In addition, no person shall drink and no organization shall serve any alcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school after school hours or school or student activities, except for religious congregations using wine for sacramental purposes only.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":274508,"text":"Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":274509,"text":"This section shall not prohibit any person from possessing or drinking alcoholic beverages or any organization from serving alcoholic beverages in areas approved by the Board at a performing arts facility, provided the organization operating the performing arts facility or its lessee has a license granted by the Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14560,"edition_id":1,"name":"Prohibited Practices Generally","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14559,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:40","permalink":{"id":219025,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14560,"identifier":"1","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1","url":"\/4.1\/I\/3\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14559,"edition_id":1,"name":"Prohibited Practices; Penalties; Procedural Matters","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13130,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:40","permalink":{"id":219023,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14559,"identifier":"3","token":"4.1\/I\/3","url":"\/4.1\/I\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13130,"edition_id":1,"name":"Alcoholic Beverage Control Act","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13129,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":218571,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13130,"identifier":"I","token":"4.1\/I","url":"\/4.1\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13129,"edition_id":1,"name":"Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control","identifier":"4.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":218569,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13129,"identifier":"4.1","token":"4.1","url":"\/4.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61827,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-300","catch_line":"Illegal manufacture and bottling; penalty","url":"\/4.1-300\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-300","metadata":false},{"id":65213,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-301","catch_line":"Conspiracy to violate \u00a7 4.1-300; penalty","url":"\/4.1-301\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-301","metadata":false},{"id":58548,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-302","catch_line":"Illegal sale of alcoholic beverages in general; penalty","url":"\/4.1-302\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-302","metadata":false},{"id":80298,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-302.1","catch_line":"Use of alcohol vaporizing devices prohibited; penalty","url":"\/4.1-302.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-302.1","metadata":false},{"id":75614,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-302.2","catch_line":"Sale, purchase, use of powdered or crystalline alcohol prohibited; penalty","url":"\/4.1-302.2\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-302.2","metadata":false},{"id":81992,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-303","catch_line":"Purchase of alcoholic beverages from person not authorized to sell; penalty","url":"\/4.1-303\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-303","metadata":false},{"id":84231,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-304","catch_line":"Persons to whom alcoholic beverages may not be sold; proof of legal age; penalty","url":"\/4.1-304\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-304","metadata":false},{"id":85034,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-305","catch_line":"Purchasing or possessing alcoholic beverages unlawful in certain cases; venue; exceptions; penalty; forfeiture; deferred proceedings; treatment and education programs and services","url":"\/4.1-305\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-305","metadata":false},{"id":60183,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-306","catch_line":"Purchasing alcoholic beverages for one to whom they may not be sold; penalty; forfeiture","url":"\/4.1-306\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-306","metadata":false},{"id":73743,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-307","catch_line":"Persons by whom alcoholic beverages may not be sold or served for on-premises consumption; penalty","url":"\/4.1-307\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-307","metadata":false},{"id":80597,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-308","catch_line":"Drinking alcoholic beverages, or offering to another, in public place; penalty; exceptions","url":"\/4.1-308\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-308","metadata":false},{"id":76473,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-309","catch_line":"Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages in or on public school grounds; penalty","url":"\/4.1-309\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-309","metadata":false},{"id":76195,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-309.1","catch_line":"Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverage while operating a school bus; penalty","url":"\/4.1-309.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-309.1","metadata":false},{"id":75726,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-310","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/4.1-310\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-310","metadata":false},{"id":58125,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-310.1","catch_line":"Delivery of wine or beer to retail licensee","url":"\/4.1-310.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-310.1","metadata":false},{"id":56029,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-311","catch_line":"Limitations on transporting lawfully purchased alcoholic beverages; penalty","url":"\/4.1-311\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-311","metadata":false},{"id":58750,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-312","catch_line":"Limitation on carrying alcoholic beverages in motor vehicle transporting passengers for hire; penalty","url":"\/4.1-312\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-312","metadata":false},{"id":78527,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-313","catch_line":"Possessing, transporting, etc., alcoholic beverages illegally acquired; penalty","url":"\/4.1-313\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-313","metadata":false},{"id":57876,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-314","catch_line":"Keeping, possessing, or storing still or distilling apparatus without a permit; penalty","url":"\/4.1-314\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-314","metadata":false},{"id":79137,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-315","catch_line":"Possession without license to sell alcoholic beverages upon premises of restaurant; exceptions; penalty","url":"\/4.1-315\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-315","metadata":false},{"id":57688,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-316","catch_line":"Keeping or drinking alcoholic beverages upon premises of club; penalty","url":"\/4.1-316\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-316","metadata":false},{"id":63706,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-317","catch_line":"Maintaining common nuisances; penalties","url":"\/4.1-317\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-317","metadata":false},{"id":58781,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-318","catch_line":"Violations by armed person; penalty","url":"\/4.1-318\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-318","metadata":false},{"id":80468,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-319","catch_line":"Disobeying subpoena; hindering conduct of hearing; penalty","url":"\/4.1-319\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-319","metadata":false},{"id":72735,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-320","catch_line":"Illegal advertising; penalty; exception","url":"\/4.1-320\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-320","metadata":false},{"id":73507,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-321","catch_line":"Delivery of alcoholic beverages to prisoners in jail prohibited; penalty","url":"\/4.1-321\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-321","metadata":false},{"id":62385,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-322","catch_line":"Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by interdicted persons; penalty","url":"\/4.1-322\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-322","metadata":false},{"id":57316,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-323","catch_line":"Attempts; aiding or abetting; penalty","url":"\/4.1-323\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-323","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":80597,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-308","catch_line":"Drinking alcoholic beverages, or offering to another, in public place; penalty; exceptions","url":"\/4.1-308\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-308","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":76195,"structure_id":14560,"section_number":"4.1-309.1","catch_line":"Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverage while operating a school bus; penalty","url":"\/4.1-309.1\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-309.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/4.1-309\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1954. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 651 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1954 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1982, chapter 288; in 1991, chapter 710; in 1993, chapter 866; in 1994, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?941+ful+CHAP0844\">844<\/a>; in 1997, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0784\">784<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0837\">837<\/a>; in 2007, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?071+ful+CHAP0813\">813<\/a>; in 2024, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0111\">111<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0255\">255<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0619\">619<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0622\">622<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?241+ful+CHAP0627\">627<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74546,"section_number":"16.1-278.9","catch_line":"Delinquent children; loss of driving privileges for alcohol, firearm, and drug offenses; truancy","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.9\/"},{"id":76354,"section_number":"4.1-128","catch_line":"Local ordinances or resolutions regulating or taxing alcoholic beverages","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-128\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":219071,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76473,"identifier":"4.1-309","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-309","url":"\/4.1-309\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/4.1-309\/","token":"4.1\/I\/3\/1\/4.1-309","dublin_core":{"Title":"Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages in or on public school grounds; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 4.1-309","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> No person shall possess or drink any alcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school during school hours or school or student activities. <a id=\"paragraph-274506\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/4.1-309\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> In addition, no person shall drink and no organization shall serve any alcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school after school hours or school or student activities, except for religious congregations using <span class=\"dictionary\">wine<\/span> for sacramental purposes only. <a id=\"paragraph-274507\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/4.1-309\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 <span class=\"dictionary\">misdemeanor<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-274508\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/4.1-309\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> This section shall not prohibit any person from possessing or drinking <span class=\"dictionary\">alcoholic beverages<\/span> or any organization from serving <span class=\"dictionary\">alcoholic beverages<\/span> in areas approved by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> at a <span class=\"dictionary\">performing arts facility<\/span>, provided the organization operating the <span class=\"dictionary\">performing arts facility<\/span> or its lessee has a license granted by the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-274509\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/4.1-309\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDRINKING OR POSSESSING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN OR ON PUBLIC SCHOOL GROUNDS;\nPENALTY (\u00a7 4.1-309)\n\nA. No person shall possess or drink any alcoholic beverage in or upon the\ngrounds of any public elementary or secondary school during school hours or\nschool or student activities.\n\nB. In addition, no person shall drink and no organization shall serve any\nalcoholic beverage in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary\nschool after school hours or school or student activities, except for religious\ncongregations using wine for sacramental purposes only.\n\nC. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a\nClass 2 misdemeanor.\n\nD. This section shall not prohibit any person from possessing or drinking\nalcoholic beverages or any organization from serving alcoholic beverages in\nareas approved by the Board at a performing arts facility, provided the\norganization operating the performing arts facility or its lessee has a license\ngranted by the Board.\n\nHISTORY: 1954, c. 651, \u00a7 4-78.1; 1982, c. 288; 1991, c. 710; 1993, c. 866;\n1994, c. 844; 1997, cc. 784, 837; 2007, c. 813; 2024, cc. 111, 255, 619, 622,\n627.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}