Alcohol Sale Or Distribution

Alcohol Policy

In accordance with Texas State Law, St. Mary’s University does not permit the purchase, possession nor consumption of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age. Alcohol must be served by either ARAMARK Food Services or a third party vendor, which must be licensed and pre-approved by the Dean of Students. Both the University and ARAMARK Food Services hold beer and wine licenses for the campus. Neither organization’s license permits the sale or distribution of any kind of alcoholic beverage.

Respect is the foundation upon which the University bases its Alcohol Policy as outlined in the following areas:

• Respect for Oneself
  Those who are of legal age and choose to drink must never do so in a manner that puts them at personal risk.
• Respect for Others
  Intoxication is inappropriate behavior and it does not excuse an individual from personal responsibility. Anyone choosing to drink must not drink to a level or in a situation where the rights and well being of others might be endangered.
• Respect for Property
  Research indicates that most campus vandalism and destruction is directly related to alcohol consumption. Each individual will be held responsible for any damage done while under the influence.

Personal and University Liability

When alcohol is served as a part of any University function, both the University and the individual serving the alcohol are placed in a position of liability. This is important to remember as you plan University related activities on and off the campus. Alcohol may never be served to minors, distribution should be carefully monitored, and designated drivers are recommended. Classes and student organizations cannot be required to meet in establishments that serve alcohol.

Policies for events where alcohol is served:

1. St. Mary’s University police officers are required at all events where alcohol is served. Officer coverage is determined in consultation with the Student Life Office and University Police and is based on the size and nature of the event. Officers scheduled for events have the authority to call in extra officers at the cost of the department if crowd size merits.
2. ARAMARK Food Services has exclusive right to catering for all campus events. All alcoholic beverages sold or served on campus must be sold and served by ARAMARK Food Services or by another approved vendor. Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) is not permitted. University Police will confiscate any alcoholic beverages brought on to campus.
3. A valid state identification card, when applicable, is required by all guests/participants of the event and specifically for those who purchase/consume alcohol. University police are required to verify the age of all persons consuming alcohol by examining a state issued identification card. Presenting a false or altered identification is a serious offense.
4. Non-alcoholic beverages (served in clear plastic cups) and free food must be available for the duration of the event when alcohol is served. If the food or non-alcoholic beverages run-out, servers must stop serving alcohol until more food and non-alcoholic beverages arrive. Event sponsors are encouraged to provide unsalted food to avoid promoting increased alcohol consumption. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages is the responsibility of the sponsoring department.
5. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the designated event area and persons may not leave the event with alcoholic beverages.
6. Alcohol may not be distributed before 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or before 12 noon on Saturday or Sunday. Alcoholic distribution must end by 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and by 12:30 a.m. for Friday and Saturday events or one half hour before the end of the scheduled event, whichever is first.
7. Alcohol may not be distributed until the event coordinator and university police officer(s) are present and the non-alcoholic beverages and food are readily accessible to the attendees.
8. All event sponsors are cautioned that the condition of the facility/area used is their sole responsibility. Sponsors will be assessed the cost of cleaning and/or repairing all damages that occur during the event unless the responsible person(s) can be identified.
9. Failure to comply with these or any other St. Mary’s University regulations or policies may result in cancellation or termination of the event.
10. Request for exceptions to any part of this policy must be made, in writing, to the Vice President for your respective division or to the President for persons or groups not directly supervised by a Vice President. Requests for exception will be forwarded to the Dean of Students for final approval.
11. Members of the University community are reminded that alcohol must never be served to minors.
All requirements are subject to revision in compliance with Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC) regulations.