Policy Governing Alcohol Service at Events sponsored by
Graduate Student Organizations
Philosophy on Alcohol Service at Washington University in St. Louis
The Washington University in St. Louis Drug and Alcohol Policy affords
recognized student groups the privilege of serving alcohol at certain
events. As adults, students are expected to know and abide by all
applicable state and federal laws and University policies and procedures.
Ultimately, students are responsible for their own behavior; however, if a
student group provides alcohol as part of their event they share in the
responsibility to provide a safe environment for all attendees. If your
group has questions, contact the Dean of your School or the Office of the
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Any on or off campus event sponsored by a recognized
graduate-professional
student group (registered by ProGradS or recognized by one of the eight
Schools) must comply with the Drug and Alcohol Policy of Washington
University in St. Louis if it involves alcohol. This Policy is available
online at: http://www.wustl.e/policies/drugandalcohol.html. Any
on-campus event involving alcohol must have a recognized Sponsoring Group.
Distribution of Alcohol
In compliance with Missouri's Liquor Control Law*, alcohol must be
served in a controlled manner and not freely accessible. No one who
is under the age of 21 or visibly intoxicated may be served.
Alcohol must not leave the confines of the event.
Options Regarding Serving Alcohol
a. Third Party Vendor - Student Groups may contract with a
third-party vendor, such as Bon Appetit, to acquire and serve alcohol.
The third party ventor uses its own liquor license and provides
bartenders.
b. Group Purchases the Alcohol- Student Group members may order, set up,
and control distribution of the alcohol at the event independently in
compliance with this Policy.
See Responsible Contact section.
Some University common spaces require a third party vendor; check
Guidelines in advance with the appropriate reserving office,
Events Services, or School Dean's Office.
Location
Student Groups should check in advance with Events Services,
School Dean's office, or the appropriate reserving office for specific
location guidelines. When alcohol is permitted, the space must
be secured (or roped off as is necessary for outdoor locations) to
ensure that proper admittance and alcohol distribution can be
regulated easily and effecively.
Advertising
Alcohol may be mentioned or implied in campus advertising of the event to
graduate students, using conventional phrases such as "happy hour,"
"beer & pizza," "wine and cheese," etc. But alcohol may not be the primary
focus of an event. Events open to the general public and /or advertised
off campus are not permitted to include alcohol.
Security
School Deans or the ProGradS Chair or their designees must be notified
at least one week in advance of the event. At the discretion of Dean or
Dean's designee, University Police may be notified, and private
security guards may be required, to assist with safety of participants
and security of facility, when total attendance involves more than
100 students. The cost of private security guards is the responsibility
of the sponsoring Student Group. The guards or designated Group
members are required to verify the age of each participant with
identification that lists date of birth. If the event is held
outside, or in an unsecured area, distinct identification (such as
wristband or stamp) is required to identify attendees 21 years and over;
this is to ensure that those passing through an event do not receive alcohol.
Responsible Contacts
At least one person (preferably two) from the Sponsoring Group must be
designated as the Responsible Contact(s) for the event. Responsible
contacts should not consume alcohol immediately prior to or during the
event. The Contacts are responsible for overseeing and ensuring the
safety of the event, the distribution of alcohol, and the implementation
of this Policy. Contacts are to introduce themselves to the University
Police as well as any security guards and serve as the point persons with
these agencies. Responsible Contacts, with the assistance of University
Police and security guards as needed, must be able to shut down an event
if this policy is not being implemented effective or if other problems
arise.
Food and Beverages
Food must be provided at all events where alcohol is served. Among
the
food there should be non-salty options readily available, free and
displayed in an attractive manner. Non-alcoholic beverages also should be
readily available and free. Water should be one of the non-alcoholic
beverages provided. The food and non-alcoholic beverages should be
replenished several times throughout the program so that they are
constantly available.
Sanctions
The Sponsoring Group will be held accountable for any and all
violations of this Policy. Sanctions for a violation may include, but are not
limited to, loss of space reservation privileges, loss of University
student group registration, or other sanctions pursuant to the University
Judicial Code (www.wustl.edu/policies/judicial.html#V)
Addendum
There may be more specific guidelines and restrictions for the use of
specific spaces on both Danforth and Medical Campuses. Be sure to check in
advance with the appropriate space reserving office. Contact Events
Services (third floor of the Danforth University Center - 935-5234) for an updated list of
contacts on the Danforth Campus (partial list attached).
*"Missouri's Liquor Control Law makes it illegal for a person under the
age of twenty-one years to purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess any
intoxicating liquor. Section 311.325 RSMo. Violation of this provision
can subject one to a fine between $50 and $1000 and/or imprisonment for a
maximum term of one year. County and municipality ordinances contain
similar prohibitions and sanctions."
To review specific provisions of applicable ordinances and statues,
contact the Office of the General Counsel (935-5152). Washington
University Policies and Procedures, Drug and Alcohol Policy:
www.wustl.edu/policies/drugandalcohol.html --Section III B.
Policy approved by the University Council 1/26/04; effective
immediately.
(This policy was also reviewed and approved by Professional and
Graduate Coordinating Committee; the Deans and graduate student
associations of the eight Graduate Schools; an ad hoc committee of the
Professional and Graduate Student Coordinating Committee drafted
the original proposal 2002-2003.)