Alcohol Policy for Student Registered Campus Organizations and Student Governments

Purpose

The goal of this alcohol policy is to ensure prudent and safe use of alcoholic beverages in compliance with State laws and UC policy. Its philosophy is in keeping with the University’s Code of Conduct principles of respectful behavior and civility as well as the educational mission to promote responsible behavior with regards to the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Those who consume alcohol should have an understanding of the consequences and those who serve alcoholic beverages at University functions or in University facilities must be provided with an adequate understanding of alcohol and the issues that surround its use as well as a clear understanding of their responsibilities and liabilities.

Policy

This policy applies to all events held on University properties.

  • University events where alcoholic beverages are being served must be sponsored by a UCSF Registered Campus Organization or student government.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages shall occur only in areas approved for such events, in accordance with time, place and manner policies
  • A UCSF staff or faculty member must be present who will be responsible for overseeing the event, the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages. One staff member per each 75 students.
  • Only beer, wine and sparkling wine may be served on University premises. No hard liquor, spirits or beer kegs are permitted.
  • The amount of alcohol must be reasonable and proportional to the number of attendees at the event.
  • Alcoholic beverages will not be consumed by individuals under 21 years of age.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages and food will be available in sufficient quantities.
  • Although alcoholic beverages may be given away, they cannot be sold at the event.
  • Individuals are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages to any function.
  • Serving and consuming alcohol should always be complementary or secondary to the event, not the primary focus of the event.

Advertising

  • Publicity for the event will not advertise the availability of alcoholic beverages. Advertising shall not contain statements or references such as “Unlimited Spirits,” “Open Bar,” “All You Can Drink," “Beer Hour," “Beer Fest," or “Beer Garden," etc.

Responsibilities 

The UCSF staff or faculty member overseeing the event and the sponsoring organizations are responsible for:

  • Being present at all times during the event and for establishing adequate controls to ensure that all persons being served alcoholic beverages are at least 21 years of age, whether or not a licensed bartender, server or caterer is on site
  • Overseeing the appropriate distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Must inform all caterers/servers operating at the University and serving alcohol of the campus alcohol policy
  • Must anticipate any special circumstances which may warrant extra security
  • Student registered campus organizations must submit a request for liability insurance, including an alcohol rider

Liability

The UCSF staff or faculty member overseeing the event and the sponsoring organizations should be aware of potential personal liability and legal consequences if the UCSF Alcohol Policy is violated or an attendee consumes alcoholic beverages provided at the event and were involved in an accident resulting in property damage, personal injury and/or death.

Disciplinary Action and University Sanctions

  • Students found in violation of the UCSF Alcohol Policy will be referred to their Dean in accordance with UC and UCSF policies on student conduct and discipline.
  • Staff employees found in violation of the UCSF Alcohol Policy may be subject to corrective action up to and including dismissal, under the applicable personnel policies and/or collective bargaining agreements.
  • Faculty and Academic Employees who violate the UCSF Alcohol Policy may be subject to disciplinary hearings in accordance with the procedures established by the Academic Senate. The administration of discipline shall be in accordance with procedures established by the University California, San Francisco in consultation with the Academic Senate.

Procedures

  • An alcohol request must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.
  • Registered Campus Organizations and Student Governments must submit an event request in Group Portal in order to request serving alcohol at their event.
  • Registered Campus Organizations must also secure event liability coverage (including an alcohol rider). Confirmation of insurance must be submitted with the event request and request to serve alcohol.
  • Any special need for security will be determined by the Site Scheduling Coordinator and/or the Vice Chancellor of Student Life in cooperation with UC Police Department as necessary.