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The use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol by faculty, staff, or students is strictly prohibited.  We host an annual drug and alcohol prevention seminar conducted by members of the City of Charleston Police Department as well as other professionals trained in the field of alcohol and drug abuse prevention.

 

Alcohol & Drug Abuse
The use of illicit drugs and alcohol can cause numerous health problems and can lead to death. The effects to a person’s health include respiratory failure, heart attack, overdose, acute intoxication, and transmittable diseases such as Hepatitis C and AIDS. Thousands of deaths are caused each year by drug overdoses, allergic reactions to drugs, toxic combinations of drugs, and alcohol poisoning. For more information about the effect of alcohol and drug abuse, please visit www.drugfree.org.
 

Alcohol & Drug Possession
The manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, purchase, offer to buy or sell, or use of  alcohol,  illegal drugs or related paraphernalia and the illegal use of any drugs (including the misuse of prescription drugs) at Top of the Line Barber College campus or while engaged in the course curriculum is strictly prohibited.  The College also prohibits such conduct during non-curriculum time to the extent that, in the judgment of Top of the Line Barber College, it impairs a student’s or staff member’s ability to progress through the curriculum, threatens the reputation or integrity of the College or violates the law. Any student who violates this policy is subject to suspension or expulsion from the program. Any staff member who violates this policy is subject to sanctions up to or including termination.
 

Any student or staff member who has illegal possession or engages in the illicit use of drugs or alcohol is also subject to criminal prosecution. TOTLBC will refer violators to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. South Carolina law states that any person who violates the criminal statutes on controlled substances by possessing, offering for sale, distributing, or manufacturing opiates and narcotics shall be guilty of a drug severity level three (3) felony. If convicted, the court may sentence a person to a term of imprisonment in accordance with the South Carolina Sentencing Guidelines Act and a fine of up to $300,000. Unlawful possession of a depressant, stimulant or hallucinogenic drug is punishable as a Class A non-person misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500.
 

South Carolina statutes also provide for criminal penalties for conviction of certain alcohol-related offenses, such as underage consumption or providing alcohol to minors. These penalties include imprisonment of up to six months and fines of up to $1,000.
 

For a first offense minor in possession of alcohol charge, the penalty is:

1. Up to 1 month in jail

2. $200 minimum fine ($500 if under 18)

3. 40 hours of community public service

4. Required attendance in an alcohol education program

5. Suspension of driver's license for 30 days
    

Any student or staff member who purchases alcohol for a person under the legal drinking age of 21 could be subject to a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
 

Prescription Drug Use
Students or staff members who use prescription drugs should follow the prescribing physician’s directions for use and all prescriptions are to be kept in the prescription bottle with the appropriate name of the user.  If use of a prescription drug may impair your performance or affect safety while performing course-related services, you should notify the campus dean, Mrs. Jessica Ford or student services coordinator, Mr. Nic Davis immediately so the College can take whatever action it finds appropriate to protect your safety and that of other students and clients. Any student or staff member who violates this policy is subject to suspension or expulsion from the program.

 

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, please call 1-877-335-HOPE (4673) or one of the treatment centers listed below.
 

1. AA Abuse Helpline-24 hours:  1-800-299-6310

2. Charleston Recovery Center:  843-718-2780