3359-47-01. Alcohol policy

(A) The university of Akron neither encourages nor discourages the use of alcoholic beverages, but the university does condemn the abuse of alcoholic beverages. It is the intent of the alcohol policy of the university of Akron to define guidelines for those members of the university community who choose to use alcoholic beverages that will provide for the responsible use consistent with the laws and regulations of the state of Ohio.

(B) The university of Akron supports those programs leading to better understanding of the use and abuse of alcohol. Availability of further educational efforts designed for those students and other members of the university community who seek to make informed choices where alcohol is involved is encouraged.

(C) All members of the university community are responsible for making decisions about their actions within the context of Ohio state law and university regulations. In addition, awareness of the rights of others within our community who may choose not to use alcoholic beverages must be honored.

(D) University requirements.

(1) All consumption, possession, and/or distribution of alcoholic beverages will be consistent with the laws and regulations of the state of Ohio.

(2) No person under the age of twenty-one may order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase or consume any beer or alcoholic beverages.

(3) No person shall be in possession of an opened container of alcoholic beverage in any public place unless that place is approved for the consumption of beer or alcoholic beverages and that opened container of alcoholic beverage has been obtained therefrom.

(4) No person shall consume any beer or alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. This regulation includes drivers and passengers in automobiles (moving or parked), motorcycles, motor boats, i.e., any vehicle.

(5) No person under twenty-one shall handle, deliver, sell, or serve beer or any alcoholic beverage. [Except a person eighteen years old or older may handle beer in a sealed container and may clear tables where alcoholic beverages have been consumed.]

(6) It will be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization, when holding an event where beer and/or alcoholic beverages will be served or sold, to take reasonable precautions to identify under-age persons to conspicuously post written warnings as noted in appendix A to this rule and to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not served to such persons. [The university suggests a check-in table where driver's licenses will be checked and where those who are under-aged are hand-stamped. Individuals who do not match their description and photograph should not be served. If there is any question whatsoever of a person being of the proper age to buy beer or alcoholic beverages, the checker (bartender, student officer, or employee) should indicate by stamping or refuse service until she/he is wholly satisfied regarding the age of the person.]

(7) State law requires that no person who appears visibly intoxicated should be served any beer or alcoholic beverage. If the person, by his/her demeanor or appearance, seems to be intoxicated, that is sufficient evidence to deny service.

(8) Liquor permit holders are not allowed to give away beer or alcoholic beverages; gift certificates for same may not be given away or sold by permit holders.

(E) Procedures for policy implementation for events where alcoholic beverages will be used.

(1) Those who are responsible for organizing and overseeing social events must also comply with state law and university regulations.

(2) Social events for students, or events to which a significant number of students are invited, sponsored by university organizations and/or departments, at which alcoholic beverages are served must be registered via the major events process. Events held in the student union must be registered with the department of student life. Those events sponsored by residence hall organizations must be registered in the office of residence life and housing. Those events sponsored by a Greek-letter organization must be registered with the office of Greek life as a major event and adhere to the policies and procedures set forth by the office of student life for a major event. Groups which are uncertain about whether registration is required should contact the department of student life.

(3) Sponsors of events held on property owned or leased by the university of Akron (other than in private residence hall rooms, suites, or townhouses in compliance with state laws) must use university dining services as their third-party vendor. The registering office will facilitate this permission for the sponsoring group.

(4) The charge for the alcohol sold will be set by university dining services.

(5) Any event associated with the university may not be promoted for the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or beer. Prices of the beer or alcoholic beverages may not be advertised other than at the point of distribution.

(6) Sufficient amount and equally visible, alternative, non-alcoholic beverages must be made available whenever alcoholic beverages are available to be sold at the same or lower price as is the beer or alcoholic beverage. Snacks and/or food must be made available at all places where beer and alcoholic beverages are served.

(7) Individuals who sign the registration form and who thus sponsor an event will be responsible for behavior at the event.

(8) Alcohol use/abuse is no excuse for unacceptable behavior.

(F) Failure to comply with the university alcohol policy may result in appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

Replaces: 3359-47-01

Effective: 1/31/2015
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 3359
Rule Amplifies: 3359
Prior Effective Dates: 02/04/83, 02/04/99, 06/25/07