Kegs In Spies Returns

The Student Bar Association hosted its first “Kegs in Spies” social of the academic year, reviving a tradition students may have heard whispers of from alumni.

Once a weekly fixture, the “keggers” held in Spies Garden were disrupted post-COVID due to an amended university policy mandating that “[p]ossession of kegs, pony kegs, or beer balls is prohibited on University property unless provided and managed by a licensed caterer and removed from plain view.”[1] The policy from Main Grounds-- likely mainly intended for undergraduate events-- requiring a licensed caterer to provide and serve kegs on University property significantly raises the costs of providing kegs on grounds, with some caterers providing quotes of up to $6,000. While the recent kegs in Spies event was more affordable, the policy continues to present a significant financial barrier to bringing back kegs on a weekly basis. Though the incoming SBA executive board has committed to “bringing back the Kegs in Spies tradition,” it is unlikely that the tradition could occur weekly without a law school exemption from the Main Grounds policy.

Still, the turnout for Thursday’s event showed strong interest among students for the return of Spies socials. Students congregated in Spies from 5-7pm, enjoying food, beer and cider, and each other’s company. SBA is hopeful that kegs can return on a more regular basis, providing students with an opportunity to enjoy a beverage outside of bar review, while promoting camaraderie among students.

[1] https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/STU-001

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Ryan Keane ’26 — rmk6rf@virginia.edu