The goal of this policy is to ensure the prudent and safe use of alcoholic beverages and to promote responsible behavior regarding the service and consumption of such. This policy helps to comply with state laws and Golden Gate University’s (GGU) educational mission.

This Policy governs the service and consumption of alcohol at approved events, meaning those events at which alcohol is served and the event is held on properties owned, leased, overseen, and/or or supervised by GGU. This includes all events, both academic and non-academic, that are hosted or sponsored by GGU and non-GGU organizations, affiliated groups and external clients who are using a GGU owned, controlled, rented, or leased venue for the event. In every instance where alcohol is served, or made available, those who organize, host or operate the event are responsible for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, this policy, as well as all other applicable University policies, procedures, and regulations.

Serving and consuming alcohol should always be complementary or secondary to the event, and not the primary focus of the event.

Only beer, wine and sparkling wine may be served. No hard liquor, spirits or beer kegs are allowed.

Food (snacks, appetizers, etc.) along with non-alcoholic beverages must also be provided at the event.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages shall occur only in areas approved for such events.

While alcoholic beverages may be served, the “sale of alcoholic beverages” is prohibited, except by individuals or organizations in possession of a valid State Liquor License or Permit issued by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that specifically allows them to sell alcohol. In addition to the license or permit requirement, written permission is required from Business Services, Facilities & Administration (BSFA) Risk Manager prior to the “sale” of any alcoholic beverage.

Proof of training completion is required prior to receiving approval for the event. And the cost of the training is nominal and the sole responsibility of the event organizer.

Individuals are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages to any function.

Advertising for the event shall not contain phrases such as “Unlimited Spirits,” “Open Bar,” “All You Can Drink,” “Beer Hour,” “Beer Fest,” or “Beer Garden,” etc.

An alcohol manufacturer’s/distributor’s name or logo may not be connected directly to the event or program name.

GGU’s seal and/or logo must not be used on any material containing references to an alcohol manufacturer/distributor.

The event sponsor(s) must be clearly identified as the primary sponsor of the event.

On-campus faculty, staff, student or alumni events where alcoholic beverages are served must be sponsored by a GGU school or department or a registered student or alumni organization.

Student events where alcoholic beverages are served must comply with all applicable student policies.

Manufacturers and/or distributors of alcoholic beverages may not be primary sponsors of campus events. Any recognition of the manufacturer/distributor shall be secondary to the event sponsor. This distinction must be maintained in all event advertising, displays, and announcements.

The external organizers of events (those not sponsored by GGU) must provide the Certificate of Insurance (COI) as required by the Room Rental Agreement, but the COI must also include an “alcohol rider” that covers the service of alcoholic beverages.

The Request to Serve Alcohol Beverages document must be completed and submitted for coordination/approval at least 15-business days prior to the event.

The request must be coordinated with either the Dean of Students for student events, or the Chief Human Resources Officer for employee events, or the Director of Advancement for alumni events as applicable prior to submitting the request to BSFA for approval.  Requests to serve alcohol at events that are sponsored by external rental clients must be coordinated through the University Scheduling Office at the time of booking the event.

If a Liquor License is required, the ABC typically requires 60-90 days to process are license request.

The final authority to approve alcohol at events on GGU Premises rests with the BSFA Risk Manager.