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Alcoholic Beverages

Recommended By: Administration and Finance
Approved: Ruben Armiñana, President
Date of Issue: October 25, 1999 (revises 2/85 policy)
Effective Date: October 25, 1999
Contact Office: Events Office

Policy #1985-1

The possession, consumption or sale of alcoholic beverages on campus is prohibited unless approved by the President of the University or his official designee.

  1. Definitions
    1. "Alcoholic beverage" includes alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every liquid or solid containing alcohol, spirits, wine or beer, and which contains one-half of 1 percent or more of alcohol by volume and which is fit for beverage purposes either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with other substances." (Business and Professions Code, Section 23004, "Alcoholic Beverage Control Act")
    2. "Sell" or "sale" and "to sell" includes any transaction whereby, for any consideration, title to alcoholic beverages is transferred from one person to another, and includes the delivery of alcoholic beverages pursuant to an order placed for the purchase of such beverages and soliciting or receiving an order for such beverages, but does not include the return of alcoholic beverages by a licensee to the licensee from whom such beverages were purchased. (Business and Professions Code, Section 23025, "Alcoholic Beverage Control Act")
    3. "Sale" as used in Sections 32151 and 32201 of this code, includes, in addition to the definition in Section 23025 of the Business and Professions Code, the transaction whereby alcoholic beverages are transferred, with or without consideration, by a licensee holding one type of license to himself for purposes of sale under a retailer's license held by him or to any person for any purpose; and the transaction whereby alcoholic beverages are transferred, with or without consideration, by a customs broker to any person within this State except a licensed importer. (Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 32003, "Alcoholic Beverage Tax")
  2. Use of Alcoholic Beverages
    1. Campus Organizations. Recognized campus clubs and organizations and recognized auxiliaries may be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages at approved campus functions in designated areas. Requests to serve alcoholic beverages must be submitted in accordance with approved procedures (see below, V. PROCEDURES), and are subject to the following conditions
      1. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to either beer or wine or, under special circumstances, beer and wine.
      2. Alcoholic beverages shall be served only during the times and in the area approved by the President or his official designee.
      3. Attendance at the event shall be limited to members of the sponsoring organization and their invited guests.
      4. Publicity for the event shall not emphasize the availability of alcohol.
      5. A member of the sponsoring organization shall be assigned the responsibility of insuring compliance with all applicable provisions of this policy, appropriate campus regulations, and the laws of the State of California. The faculty advisor or an appropriate university official will be required to be the supervising individual for student organizations.
      6. Clubs or organizations serving alcoholic beverages at events must also serve non-alcoholic beverages and food.
      7. A club or organization sponsoring an event at which alcoholic beverages are served may not require those attending the event to pay money -- including buying raffle tickets, tokens, admission tickets -- in order to be served alcoholic beverages.
    2. Residential Community. The Residential Community is subject to all procedures and requirements outlined in this policy statement as well as any additional requirements specified by approved housing policies and regulations.
    3. Off-Campus Organizations or Individuals. Off-campus organizations or individuals who have arranged to utilize university facilities may be granted permission to serve alcoholic beverages, subject to the requirements and procedures outlined in this policy
  3. Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
    Permission to sell alcoholic beverages on campus usually is limited to the recognized campus food service agent. However, organizations or individuals may request permission to sell alcoholic beverages at special events subject to the following conditions: Approval of the event and confirmation of facility use must be secured in accordance with applicable University procedures.
    1. A license for the sale of alcoholic beverages must be obtained from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (A.B.C.).
    2. Provisions for the sale of non-alcoholic beverages and food must be made and confirmed.
    3. Plans must be coordinated with the recognized campus food service in order to resolve any conflict with its license to serve alcohol.
    4. The form, Request for Permission to Serve Alcoholic Beverages, must be completed and submitted within the appropriate time periods with all necessary attachments and confirmations, including the approval of the Chief of University Police and the Vice President for Administration and Finance.
  4. Sanctions
    1. California State law authorizes severe criminal sanctions for persons under 21 years of age who possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
    2. Similar criminal sanctions may also be imposed upon anyone who provides or furnishes an alcoholic beverage to a person under 21 years of age. (Alcoholic Beverage Control Act; Sections 25658, 25660.5, 25661, 25662, and 25665.) The Department of Public Safety will review these provisions with anyone requesting permission to serve alcoholic beverages at campus events.
    3. Violation of either the laws of the State of California or this University policy by a student or university employee makes him/her subject to disciplinary sanctions described in the California Education Code and Title 5, California Administrative Code.
    4. Additional sanctions may be imposed upon the sponsoring organization after notice and hearing. Sanctions may range from the suspension of the organization's privilege to use campus facilities through complete withdrawal of University "recognized" status.
  5. Procedures
    1. The organization or individual sponsoring a campus event where alcohol will be served must first receive preliminary University approval for the proposed event. Two forms, the Request for Use of University Facilities and the Request for Permission to Serve Alcoholic Beverages, must be completed, including all signatures of authorization. The appropriate license, if required, must be secured from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
    2. For all events, all forms must be completed and submitted to the appropriate (authorizing) office at least one week in advance of the event.
    3. Authorizing offices are:
      1. For student requests, the Vice President for Student Affairs;
      2. For faculty organizations and departments, the appropriate School Dean; and
      3. For auxiliary organizations, staff organizations, and off-campus individuals or organizations, the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Administration and Finance.
    4. Copies of this policy and the necessary forms are available in the Student Resource Center, Office of University Police, and the Events Office.

Updated October 9, 1999 by SSU.policies@sonoma.edu