Introduction
Diversity of opinion and freedom of choice are concepts which have long been an integral part of higher education tradition. This freedom, however, entails the exercise of personal accountability, including the obligation to make informed decisions regarding use and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Within the academic and social environment of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, alcohol may be served at certain occasions. In an effort to ensure that alcohol is used only in a responsible manner, the following policies are established.
General University Policies1. Compliance
The use of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with federal, state and local laws; the regulations of the Alabama ABC Board; and other university policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the Drug-Free Workplace Policy and the Drug-Free Campus Policy for Students.
2. Approval and Location of the Event
The service of alcoholic beverages on campus is limited to areas approved in advance by the dean/vice president or his/her designee. A “responsible person” must be designated for every function at which alcoholic beverages are served. That individual is responsible for ensuring that this policy and other related policies (see “Compliance”) are followed.
3. Controlled Areas
Alcoholic beverages may not be taken outside predetermined boundaries of the university-sponsored event. Steps should be taken to ensure that alcoholic beverages are contained within these boundaries. All alcoholic beverages should be consumed or disposed of by all guests or participants before they leave the premises.
4. Event Advertisements
Advertisements or invitations to university-sponsored events where alcoholic beverages are being served should emphasize the nature of the event and not alcoholic beverages.
5. Self-Service
Alcoholic beverages served at a university-sponsored event must not be freely available to attendees. A designated server or hired professional bartender must be on duty at the event to limit the size and number of drinks served. If the function involves a sit-down meal at which alcohol is served, waiters and/or waitresses should be instructed to ask before automatically refilling wine or liquor glasses.
6. Proper Identification
Alabama state law prohibits purchase, consumption or serving of beer, wine or distilled spirits by persons under legal drinking age. It is also a violation of Alabama state law to purchase alcohol for, or serve alcohol to, persons under the legal drinking age. Therefore, at all university-sponsored events where alcoholic beverages will be served, the designated server or hired professional bartender will be required to check for proper identification before serving any alcoholic beverages and must reject any questionable forms of identification. Alcoholic beverages may not be served at functions where the majority of attendees are under legal drinking age.
7. Non-Alcoholic Beverage Alternatives
Alternative non-alcoholic beverages must be equally available and accessible at all university-sponsored events where alcoholic beverages are served. Water should not be the only alternative beverage offered.
8. Food
Food must be made available to those in attendance at all university-sponsored events where alcoholic beverages are served.
9.Hours of Service
Service of alcoholic beverages must be discontinued at least one hour before an event is scheduled to end.
10. Refusal to Serve Intoxicated Guests
If a participant or guest at a university-sponsored event where alcoholic beverages are being served appears to have exceeded his or her consumption limit, the designated server or hired professional bartender must discontinue serving alcoholic beverages to this individual.
11. Individual Responsibilities
Failure to comply with the policies and regulations stated within this document or violation of the law may result in civil and/or university action. Implementation
The Office of the Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Financial Affairs and Administration are responsible for procedures to implement this policy.
NOTE: This policy replaces the General Policy Regarding the Use and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages dated October 17, 1986, and Office of the Provost Academic Programs Alcoholic Beverage Policy dated October 16, 1997.
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