You can’t put a price tag on the perception of promoting alcohol use.

Actually, I suspect we’re about to find out that you can.

The SEC plans to review its alcohol policy for neutral-site games and home games off campus, and not necessarily selling alcohol to the public at campus games, SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent said.

The University of Texas recently began selling beer and wine at some sporting events this year and may continue at football games in the fall. At least one SEC athletics director likes the idea for SEC stadiums, where alcohol is permitted in private suites but not public areas.

Selling beer at football games “would enhance the fan experience,” LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva said.

Not to mention the schools’ bank accounts.  Unleash the rationalization hounds!

“I don’t think that’s something that would necessarily be a negative for drunkenness and it might curtail the drunkenness if you sold beer. Right now, they drink excessively in the parking lot before they come in because they can’t get alcohol inside. Perhaps if they had access in the stadium, they wouldn’t drink as much when they come in. I think it’s something we have to talk about. This may come down the road in the future, and I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

And here’s your real tell:  Mike Slive has “mixed feelings” about it.  That’s a long way from firm opposition.

There’s way too much money involved here, especially once the conference gets over its hypocrisy about message sending.  Aside from concession sales and sponsorships, you’ve got the real golden goose:  advertising.  My prediction is they’ll start sliding down the slippery slope once they see how Texas makes out with its new policy and they’ll keep going with explanations that don’t pass the logic test until they get it all in.

When that happens, at least we’ll be assured of one good thing, an end to this silliness:

In 2006, officials from Florida, Georgia and the SEC asked CBS and other television networks to no longer use the “World’s Largest Cocktail Party” phrase when referencing the Florida-Georgia football game. The movement to tone down the nickname was done to raise awareness about the excessive use of alcohol on campuses.