Three NIU fraternities are participating in versions of “bring your own” alcohol parties, a developing trend among fraternities as an alternative to keg parties.

Mike Stomberg, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity president, said the fraternity began the BYO party idea this semester. He said most fraternities’ national chapters are heading toward no-keg party policies.

The InterFraternity Council’s ticket system is in effect for these parties. All people entering the party must have a ticket from the fraternity.

Stomberg said all men, including Delta Sigs, must bring a six-pack of beer to the parties. “We collect the cans at the door and they are distributed at the bar,” he said.

During mixers with sororities, the fraternity serves cans of beer and mixed drinks, as well as an alternative non-alcoholic beverage, he said.

“It runs really smooth. I think they’re very successful. The last two afterhours we had went incredibly well,” Stomberg said.

John O’Brien, Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity president, said his fraternity also began no-keg parties this semester. The fraternity’s national chapter policy states the fraternity cannot purchase alcohol with chapter funds.

“People can bring only cans. No bottles are allowed,” he said.

People receive a ticket stating the type and amount of beer they brought. The alcohol then is stored at the bar. The bartender will stamp the ticket each time the person gets a beer, he said.

“People pace themselves because they know how much they have and it’s not unlimited,” O’Brien said.

Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity’s national chapter also passed a policy which states the fraternity is not allowed to purchase alcohol with chapter funds.

Aaron Broholm, Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity president, said, “Our bar works similar to a coat check system.” Tickets, given at the bar, indicate the type and amount of beer a person brought. People can get their beer from the bar during the party.

“We’re not serving alcohol, we’re just storing it,” he said. “The only beer that’s there is bought by persons individually.”

“Our parties now are more successful. The number of people who show up at our parties have been greater than in the past,” Broholm said.

There is less liability for fraternities with “bring your own” parties, he said.