Kanawha County Schools announced on Apr. 8 an update to its policy regarding beer sales at Laidley Field, clarifying that alcohol will not be sold at any school-related events or those involving K-12 students.
The updated policy is intended to align existing rules with current practices and eliminate confusion about when and how beer can be sold at the facility. School officials said this change does not introduce new permissions but instead modernizes language from a policy created in 1986.
According to the district, “Beer will not be sold at any Kanawha County Schools events, or any event that involves K-12 students.” This includes high school and middle school football games, track meets, marching band competitions, field days, exceptional games, state tournaments, and other K-12 related activities. The update reaffirms that such sales have always been against district policy for these types of events.
The revised guidelines specify that beer may only be sold during non-school events hosted by outside organizations renting Laidley Field—such as University of Charleston football games—and never during Kanawha County Schools functions. Event organizers are solely responsible for securing permits and managing all aspects of alcohol sales in accordance with state and local laws. “Alcohol can only be sold pursuant to a facilities use agreement,” the district said. Renters set prices and receive proceeds from these sales; Kanawha County Schools does not sell beer nor directly profit from it.
Oversight will include adherence to facility agreements as well as management monitoring by Laidley Field staff. Bringing personal alcohol into the venue remains prohibited except for approved vendor sales during eligible non-school functions.
This clarification comes as part of a broader review process meant to ensure policies match current legal practices while providing clear expectations moving forward. The update has no effect on regular school-day use or student activities held at Laidley Field.
Kanawha County Schools serves communities throughout Kanawha County in West Virginia according to the official website. The district offers comprehensive public education from preschool through grade 12 with programs including career training, honors courses, JROTC leadership development according to the official website, house point systems for student leadership according to the official website, and community partnerships such as nature trail maintenance projects according to the official website. Student achievement is promoted through art, music, forensic investigations and community connections according to the official website.
