I. Introduction
This document establishes the University’s policies and procedures for using, serving, and selling alcoholic beverages on property owned, leased, or controlled by the University, and at University events.
The goal of this alcohol policy is to ensure prudent and safe use of alcoholic beverages in compliance with state laws and University policy and in keeping with the University principles of respectful behavior and civility as well as the educational mission to promote responsible behavior regarding the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The intent of the policy is that those who consume alcohol appreciate the potential consequences and those who serve alcoholic beverages at University functions or in University facilities understand their responsibilities and the liability issues attendant to alcohol use.
The University is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace for all members of the University community. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is controlled by Kentucky law, local ordinances, and University regulations. All members of the University community shall abide by these laws and regulations.
The oversight, implementation, and enforcement of this policy is delegated to the Vice President for Finance and Business, who in turn may delegate these responsibilities to other University offices or officials as appropriate. The Vice President for Finance and Business has delegated approval of events involving the presence of students at events involving alcohol to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Life.
Specific alcohol related policies and procedures for issues related to employees are found in Employee Manual. Specific alcohol related policies and procedures related to students and student organizations are found in the Student Handbook
II. Entities Affected
This policy applies to all members of the University community, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
III. Policy
The University prohibits the use, serving, or sales/selling of alcoholic beverages on University property and at University events and activities, except with specific pre-approval as authorized by this policy.
IV. General Rules and Prohibited Uses of Alcohol
A. Serving, selling, or using alcoholic beverages on University property and at University events shall be in compliance with all applicable Kentucky laws, local ordinances, and or any University regulations.
B. All University events where alcoholic beverages are served, sold, or used shall be approved in accordance with this regulation.
C. In general, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, and/or offices at any time, unless permission is obtained from the responsible cabinet member.
D. Use of alcoholic beverages in residential facilities. The University’s alcohol policy is consistent with Kentucky State Law prohibiting the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages by and to individuals who are under 21 years old. Individuals who are of legal drinking age and choose to consume alcohol must do so in a responsible manner. Additionally, members of the university community are responsible for behaving in a manner that is not disruptive or endangering to the university community. Being under the influence of alcohol shall not be considered a mitigating factor for an individual’s behavior.
E. Registered student organizations shall comply with University regulations and with state and local laws regarding the conduct of members and guests at all times. For social occasions, student organizations shall abide by all guidelines published by the Dean of Students. During social events, student officers shall be accountable for compliance by members and guests. Violation of this regulation may result in discipline of the organization.
F. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at University athletic events unless otherwise approved.
V. Serving and Sales of Alcoholic Beverages
A. The Vice President for Finance and Business or appropriate member of the President’s cabinet may authorize the serving or sale of alcoholic beverages on University property or at University events, provided that such use does not violate any law or University regulation and meets all of the requirements of this policy. Written requests shall be directed to Vice President for Finance and Business or appropriate member of the President’s cabinet with oversight of the event. Any desired exception to the University alcohol policy should be directed to the respective cabinet member and then forwarded to the Vice President for Finance and Business for final review. The Vice President for Finance and Business may consult with the Risk Management Advisory Committee or the President in making the determination whether to approve or deny the exception request.
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B. In addition, reservation of any facility is subject to approval of the University official responsible for the facility, and reservations are subject to University regulations on facilities.
C. Approved events at which alcohol beverages are served or sold shall meet the following requirements:
1. Private events that are not open to the public;
2. Events for which tickets have been sold or invitation or membership is required;
3. Events held in one of the facilities or areas listed in Section VI below or inside another specifically designated and approved space; and
4. Events where the majority of the attendees are age twenty-one (21) and above.
D. A third party caterer officially licensed and in good standing with the Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control Board must be responsible for the serving and sale of the alcoholic beverages on University property or at University events. The caterer shall be insured for the event either through a rider to an existing policy or through the purchase of event insurance coverage. Such coverage shall include naming of the University as an additional insured party and shall be in an amount determined by the Vice President for Finance and Business.
E. The sponsor of the event and the licensed, insured caterer shall take affirmative and appropriate steps to ensure that persons under the age of twenty-one (21) are not served alcohol.
F. Serving, selling, or using alcoholic beverages at any official University event that is held at a personal residence or other off-campus private facility, shall comply with all aspects of this regulation. This includes using a third party caterer officially approved to serve or sell the alcohol.
G. At any University sponsored event at which alcohol is served or sold:
1. Non-alcoholic beverages must also be provided
2. Food must be provided
3. Signage should be posted warning guests not to drink and drive
4. Signage should be posted about available transportation options, such as taxi, Uber and Lyft.
VI. University Facilities and Events where Alcoholic Beverages Are Permitted
Alcoholic beverages may be served or sold in the following University facilities:
1. Graham Cottage
2. Old Morrison Board Room
3. Alumni Plaza
4. Campus Center Gym
5. Fourth Street Athletics Complex Community Room
6. Beck Center Hall of Fame Room
7. Beck Center Performance Gym (when converted to banquet space)
8. President’s Dining Room
9. Morlan Gallery
10. Faculty Staff Lounge
11. Gay Library
12. Lobby areas of the Haggin, Carrick and Little Theaters
13. Facilities leased by the University from a corporation holding a valid alcohol license.
14. Other campus facilities with advanced written approval of the responsible cabinet member.