Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service Policy

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Title: Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service, Policy on
Policy Owner: Department of Dining Services
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses, including UConn Health
Approval Date: December 23, 2025
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
For More Information, Contact Department of Dining Services or
UConn Health Administrative Services
Contact Information: (860) 486-3128 (Storrs/Regional Campuses)
(860) 679-4248 or roomscheduling@uchc.edu (UConn Health)
Official Website: https://www.dining.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

To provide specific requirements for the sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages at University Sponsored Events.

APPLIES TO

Workforce members and students on all University campuses. This policy applies to on or off-campus University Sponsored Events.

This policy does not apply to:

  • Non-University owned on-campus entities (e.g., the University of Connecticut Foundation; The Graduate Hotel)
  • Events at any University Athletic venue

DEFINITIONS

Permanent Installation: A food service location operated by the Department of Dining Services.  

University Sponsored Events: An official activity, function or meeting operated and/or financially supported by the University of Connecticut, whether on- or off-campus.

POLICY STATEMENT

Any individual or organization serving alcohol on University Property and/or at a University Sponsored Event must have a valid liquor permit and comply with all applicable laws and policies. Individuals responsible for planning an event must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy. University funds or Trustee student organization fees cannot be used to purchase alcohol, either directly or indirectly. Funds used to purchase food or cover facility fees may never subsidize the purchase of alcohol.

Final responsibility for complying with this policy is the obligation of the individual hosting the event. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Office of the President.

Sales and Service of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be possessed, served, sold or consumed at a University Sponsored Event if all the following conditions are met:

  • Alcoholic beverages must be served or sold under a valid and appropriate liquor permit.  At campuses with a Permanent Installation,  the Department of Dining Services holds the liquor permit. Campuses without a Permanent Installation, including UConn Health, may rely on an approved vendor or caterer with a valid liquor permit.  See Connecticut License Lookup.
  • Donated alcohol must be served through the appropriate permit holder. There are specific state guidelines for donated items and they must be administered directly with the approved permittee.
  • University workforce members hosting department meetings or gatherings on or off campus cannot supply their own alcohol.
  • Alcohol servers must be certified in Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS).
  • Alcoholic beverages are served as a complement to a planned program or event with a legitimate University business purpose.
  • Alcoholic beverage service is accompanied by food service and non-alcoholic beverage alternatives in amounts sufficient for all attendees.
  •  The individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the appropriate controls are in place to prohibit alcohol consumption by persons under the legal drinking age, including but not limited to events at which students are expected to attend.

Additional restrictions include:

  • Alcohol service is prohibited in academic buildings while classes are in session in that building. Exceptions at UConn Health may be granted in advance in writing  by the appropriate Dean.
  • Alcohol may not be served at any student organized event or function where individuals under the legal drinking age are likely to be present.

Alcohol Service on University Property

Campuses With Permanent Installations (excludes UConn Health)

The Department of Dining Services is the sole liquor permit-holder on University campuses with a Permanent Installation. University Sponsored Events on campuses with a permanent installation must use the Department of Dining Services to serve alcohol, unless written approval by the Department of Dining Services was obtained in advance.

Campuses Without Permanent Installations (excludes UConn Health)

On University Campuses without a Permanent Installation, departments must obtain written approval, in advance, from the Department of Dining Services to use an alternate alcohol service. Individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy.

On UConn Health Campuses

At UConn Health, requests for the use of an alternate alcohol service must receive written approval in advance by the Dean of the School of Medicine or the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, as appropriate. For events sponsored by units outside the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, written approval in advance is required from the Chief Administrative Officer, or their designee, at UConn Health. Requests must be submitted through the Department of Dining Services’ online form.

Alcohol Service at Off-Campus University Sponsored Events

If alcohol is to be served at an off-campus University Sponsored Event, the individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy.

ENFORCEMENT

This policy is intended to complement existing University policy regarding alcohol, including but not limited to, the General Rules of Conduct and the Student Code.

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

Depending on the nature and severity of the violations, additional sanctions may be enacted.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Department of Dining Services’ Alcohol Request Form

POLICY HISTORY

Policy Created: 10/23/2017

Revisions: 12/23/2025 (Approved by the University Senior Policy Council and President)