Office of Compliance, Student Policy, Research & Assessment

University Policy on the
Use of Alcoholic Beverages

General Statement

The University Policy on the Use of Alcoholic Beverages establishes a general framework for specific present and future campus or college rules and regulations on the use of alcohol. However, in addition to the establishment of basic policies and regulations, much remains to be considered concerning the use of alcoholic beverages at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. It must be recognized that here, as in society at large, the rational and responsible use of alcoholic beverages depends upon forms of teaching, conditioning, and social pressure which go beyond the purview of formal policies and regulations. Nevertheless, it may be said generally that the University expects its members to demonstrate respect and regard for the rights, property and persons of all individuals; to take responsibility for their own actions; and to act to reduce risks of damage and harm.

In terms of regulation it may also be pointed out that the University enforces a prohibition of the use of alcoholic beverages in the athletic facilities of the University and other specific restrictions. Any exceptions to these rules must be expressly authorized by the Senior Vice President and Treasurer. In addition, in order to discourage abuse of alcoholic beverages and assist those already in trouble, a program of alcohol education and training and an Alcohol Assistance Program (for those with alcohol-related problems) have been established at the University.

As a further guide to responsible use of alcohol, members of the University community are urged to observe the following practices when alcoholic beverages are served:

1. Provide an equal quantity of non-alcoholic beverages at the same place in an equally attractive variety.

2. Provide food in sufficient quantity for the number of persons present.

3. Discontinue the sale or service of alcohol for a reasonable period of time prior to the anticipated end of the event.

4. In any advertisement, note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages and food.

5. Provide for supervision by persons who have a demonstrable awareness of the regulations and the techniques to insure successful compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In any group where alcoholic beverages are served it is expected that at least one person designated by the group will be responsible for insuring adherence to these guidelines.

It is expected that the above guidelines will be incorporated in the regulations of the colleges and campuses. Further guidance is available in the Report of the Committee on Alcohol which may be obtained from the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Life Policy and Services and/or from the University's Coordinator of Alcohol Education and Training, in the same office.

Policy Statement

1. The sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Rutgers University campuses is regulated by federal and state laws and by local ordinance. All members of the University community are obligated to obey these laws, regulations, and ordinances. The University does not have the authority to alter the laws or secure exemption from them. Members of the University are individually responsible for determining how applicable laws, regulations and ordinances apply to them, and for obeying them.

2. The use of alcoholic beverages at social functions on the Rutgers University campuses is restricted to those functions open to members of sponsoring organizations and their invited guests where service of alcohol is restricted to those of legal drinking age as defined by pertinent New Jersey statutes. Such functions must be restricted to areas designated by the Deans, Provosts, or Senior Vice President and Treasurer. In all cases, State laws governing the dispensing of alcoholic beverages must be observed.

3. Student activity funds and admission fees may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages in connection with a sponsored activity unless the consumption of such beverages is otherwise limited by college or campus-level regulations, provided that student organizations are sensitive to the fact that many students cannot or choose not to drink because of the provisions of law or for other reasons. Event organizers should make appropriate accommodation for such students. The use of student fee money for the purchase of alcoholic beverages must have the approval of the appropriate Dean of Students and the appropriate student fee board. In those units which have no Dean of Students, the approval of the Dean of the College is required.

4. Departmentally allocated funds may not be used for purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages destined for personal consumption.

5. The Provosts and Deans of the several campuses and colleges, following standard procedures and including consultation with the affected bodies, will develop and issue, from time to time, such regulations on the use of alcoholic beverages in the University community as they deem necessary in accordance with the policies above stated. Uniformity in regulations on all campuses and colleges is desirable but not mandatory.

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Last updated: 01/22/2008

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