Unit: Financial Affairs Administration
Effective Date: 4/1/2011
Revision Date: 9/17/2018
Contact: Cheryl Mowdy
Title: Assistant Vice President for Financial Affairs

Purpose

Use and consumption of alcohol on premises owned by The University of Alabama is governed by the University’s Drug-Free Campus and Work Place Policy and by local and state statutes and regulations. The University of Alabama has designated certain sites on campus where alcoholic beverages may be appropriately served to adult groups when specific requirements are satisfied.

Policy

According to University policy the following locations on The University of Alabama campus have been designated as sites where alcoholic beverages may be appropriately served to adult groups: President’s Mansion, Paul Bryant Conference Center, Paul W. Bryant Museum, Ferguson Center, Alumni Hall, Gorgas House, University Club, and Smith Hall. Under certain circumstances or for certain University-wide events, the President, Provost and/or Vice Presidents of the University may designate other sites as appropriate for the service of alcoholic beverages. An application for a Grounds Use Permit can include a request to allow the servicing of alcohol provided such serving complies with University policy, all state and local laws and regulations, and the following additional criteria:

1. For any event at a University owned location approved under University policy for the use and consumption of alcohol where alcohol is provided in return for some form of payment (e.g., cash bar, paying for a dinner ticket, donations made in return for drink tickets, fundraising events, etc.) the person or entity responsible for the event (Registrant) must obtain a Special Event License from the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board through an approved caterer or an alcohol vendor approved by the Office of Risk Management. This process can take up to 6-8 weeks so planning well in advance for this requirement will be necessary.

2. For events to be held on premises owned by the University that are already licensed by the ABC Board under a Special Retail License (University Club and Bryant Conference Center) the Registrant must use the services of the license holder for the distribution of alcohol. This rule applies even if no consideration is given for distribution of alcohol (e.g., a wedding reception).

3. For events that are (a) held at a University owned location approved under University policy for the use and consumption of alcohol, but not already licensed by the ABC Board, (b) not open to the public (e.g., a private party or other event with a guest list), AND (c) where no payment is given for the alcohol (e.g., a wedding reception with an open bar), no license for the distribution of alcohol is required. However, the additional requirements set out below will still apply to the conduct of the event.

  • The Registrant will be responsible for compliance with all open container laws.
  • The Registrant will also be responsible for compliance with all laws concerning alcohol possession or consumption by minors.
  • Student Organizations must abide by all provisions of the Division of Student Life’s Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and the Social Event Guidelines for Student Organizations.
  • The University may approve, deny, or revoke requests for the use or consumption of alcohol on property owned by it in its sole and absolute discretion.The University of Alabama does not assume any responsibility for ensuring that third party organizations
    or individuals contracting to use University facilities follow applicable laws and regulations regarding the
    use, sale or consumption of alcohol.
  • All other University General Terms and Conditions for Ground Use Permits shall apply to the registration
    of events involving the use, sale, or consumption of alcohol.

Definitions

  • Event Registrant – The person or entity responsible for the event. This can include University departments, third-party organizations, or individuals contracting to use University facilities.

Scope

This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, and community members who seek to host events where alcohol will be served on premises owned by The University of Alabama.