PS-01.A.14 - Use of Alcoholic Beverages at University of Houston-Downtown
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 29, 2000
ISSUE#: 1
PRESIDENT: Max Castillo
PURPOSE
This PS sets forth regulations regarding the service, consumption, and distribution of alcoholic beverages at the University of Houston - Downtown (UHD). The University strictly adheres to all city, state, and federal laws governing the distribution and consumption of alcohol. The University is committed to the national initiative of preventing the abuse of alcohol.
POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 This policy applies to all on campus and offcampus events at which alcohol will be served. For additional information, see PS 04.A.02, Student Use of Alcoholic Beverages at UHD.
2.2 The legal drinking age in Texas is 21. Alcoholic beverages served on the UHD campus may be distributed and consumed by individuals of legal age. The use or possession of alcohol on any part of the campus, other than a formally approved or designated area, is a violation of this policy.
2.3 The Office of Reservations and Events Management must be notified of the proposed sale and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages by any organization or department at UHD.
2.4 Only licensed catering services approved by the Office of Reservations and Events Management may sell or distribute alcoholic beverages on the UHD campus.
2.5 The Office of Reservations and Events Management will provide the person requesting the alcohol with a copy of the Application for Alcohol Permit (Exhibit A).
2.6 The completed Application for Alcohol Permit must be submitted to the Office of Reservations and Events Management at least 30 days before the date on which permission to serve alcohol is requested.
2.7 The Office of Reservations and Events Management then submits the Application for Alcohol Beverage to the Chief of Police of the UHD Police Department, who will make a decision as to whether offduty police are needed for the event. Only UHD police officers or peace officers approved by the Chief of the UHD Police Department may be hired for the event. The sponsoring individual, department, or organization is responsible for payment of UHD police services.
2.8 State appropriated funds, student service fees, or University Center fees may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages for any reason.
2.9 Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in any vehicle owned or operated by UHD.
REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): President
Review: As needed
University of Houston - Downtown
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
An approved UHD Application for Alcohol Permit is a privilege. Failure to adhere to University regulations may result in the denial of future approval.
I. An approved Application for Alcohol Permit DOES NOT:
a) Give the sponsoring organization or department the right to sell alcoholic beverages.
b) Give the sponsoring organization or department the right to reserve space for an event. Space and facilities must be reserved through normal University channels.
II. Once a permit is granted, the organization or department is responsible for obeying all University, state, city, and federal laws governing the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
III. The legal age for drinking in Texas is 21.
Giving alcoholic beverages to a minor can result in criminal and/or University disciplinary action.
A minor producing false identification to secure alcoholic beverages can be subject to criminal and/or University disciplinary action.
IV. At all events where alcohol is served, a posted sign must state clearly that only those 21 years of age or older are permitted to drink the alcoholic beverages.
V. Persons of legal drinking age must be clearly identifiable to the licensed caterer/vendor.
VI. Non-alcoholic beverages must be available in equally attractive variety as the alcoholic beverages and must also be displayed with equal prominence. If alcoholic beverages are free, all other beverages must be free.
VII. The amount of alcoholic beverages permitted at an event is relative to the number of guests attending the function. VIII. Food items must be available in sufficient amounts for the number of persons attending the function.
IX. All advertisements must note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages and food as prominently as alcohol, if alcohol is to be advertised. Alcohol may never be the main emphasis of an advertisement.
X. Any questions regarding the distribution of alcoholic beverages should be addressed to the Office of Reservations and Events Management at (713) 221 - 8580.
DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION:
1) Requests for permission to serve alcoholic beverages must be submitted to the Office of Reservations and Events Management at least 30 days prior to the time of planned distribution. This will allow time for review, clarification of concerns and sufficient time for the events planners to take copies to the appropriate offices.
2) The organization or department may not promote or allow drinking games of any kind.
3) Alcoholic beverages may not be distributed before 5:00 p.m. on Monday - Friday and 12:00 noon on Saturday and Sunday. For major campus events, exceptions may be granted by the President or his/her designee.
4) In addition to the required steps, individuals planning an event should seek other ways to foster the responsible use of alcoholic beverages.
5) The organizers of an event must be prepared to call a cab for anyone that appears to be under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance. A written list of phone numbers for several cab companies should be available.
6) If the event is canceled or the service of alcohol has been canceled, the sponsoring organization or department must contact the Office of Reservations and Events Management immediately.