Alcohol and Drug Policies, Laws and Sanctions
Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Distribution Policy
Preamble:
The George Washington University is committed to promoting the health and safety of its campus community through a program of alcohol education and the implementation of this Policy. The University is further obligated under the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 to enforce compliance with local District of Columbia alcoholic beverage laws on campus and at University-sponsored activities. The University therefore affirms its adherence to the following principles:
- The misuse and abuse of alcoholic beverages, related behavior such as disorderly conduct, illness due to excessive consumption of alcohol, and destruction of property pose a danger to the individual members of the campus community and to the community at large.
- The promotion of alcoholic beverage consumption as the primary focus of on- and off-campus activities invites members of the campus community to violate University regulations and District of Columbia law.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages should only be by persons of legal age and through personal choice.
- Those who choose to consume alcoholic beverages should do so responsibly and in moderation.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages should not be the main focus of an event or the only means of refreshment at an event. When alcohol is served, non-alcoholic beverages and food items must also be made available.
- The responsibility for proper consumption of alcoholic beverages and for compliance with the laws of the District of Columbia rests with each individual member of the campus community, as well as the student organizations.
For information on the Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education (CADE) including substance-free events, peer education programs, and applying for approval to serve alcohol at University-sponsored functions, visit the CADE Web site at http://www.gwu.edu/~cade.
I. Definitions
A. "University" means The George Washington University and all of its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, divisions and programs.
B. "Student" means any person currently enrolled at the University for whom the University maintains records as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and related regulations.
C. "Student group" means two or more students who are associated with each other, but who have not complied with formal University requirements for registration as a student organization.
D. "Student organization" means five or more students who have complied with the formal University requirements for registration as a student organization.
E. "University premises" means buildings or grounds owned, leased, or licensed by the University, including without limitation:
1. Mt. Vernon College;
2. Buildings or grounds which comprise the University residence hall system;
3. University food service facilities;
4. Marvin Center facilities; or
5. Buildings or grounds which are operated in the name of any officially registered student organization. "University premises’ does not include any such buildings or grounds which are leased or sublet to any non-university related persons or business entities.
F. "University-sponsored activities" are events and activities which:
1. Are expressly authorized, aided, conducted, or supervised by the University; or
2. Are funded in whole or in part by the University; or
3. Are initiated and conducted or promoted by an officially-registered student organization, University department, faculty member or employee; or
4. Take place on University premises.
G. "Sponsors" of a University-sponsored activity are the student organization(s), or University department(s), faculty member(s) or employee(s) initiating, conducting, directing, or supervising the activity.
H. The terms "will" and "shall" are imperative.
II. Regulations Pertaining to Possession and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages.
A. A student violates this Policy if he or she:
1. Is under the age of 21 and possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages on University premises or at University-sponsored activities;
2. Falsely represents his or her age and/or name for the purpose of procuring any alcoholic beverage on University premises or at University-sponsored activities;
3. Offers, gives, provides, or otherwise makes available any alcoholic beverage to any person under the age of 21 on University premises or at University-sponsored activities;
4. Possesses an alcoholic beverage in an open container on University premises or at University-sponsored activities, unless he or she is of at least 21 years of age and:
a. Purchases the alcoholic beverage from, and consumes the beverage at, a University food service facility where alcoholic beverages are permitted to be served; or
b. Purchases and consumes the alcoholic beverage at a University-sponsored activity at which alcoholic beverages are served in accordance with Section III of this Policy, or if the activity has been registered with the Office of Greek Affairs and the sponsor has implemented an authorized "bring-your-own-beverage" system of alcoholic beverage distribution, brings the alcoholic beverage to and consumes the beverage at such an activity. For the purposes of this paragraph, students who obtain alcoholic beverages from the sponsor's servers free of charge shall be deemed to have "purchased" the alcoholic beverage at the activity; or
c. Is a resident of a University residential community or apartment, or is a visitor or guest of a resident who is also at least 21 years of age, and complies with the regulations set forth in Section II (B) of this Policy.
5. Is intoxicated on University premises or at University-sponsored activities, and/or otherwise endangers the safety of him/herself or others.
6. At any University-sponsored activity:
a. Brings an alcoholic beverage to or removes an alcoholic beverage from the area of activity, unless:
i. The activity has been registered with the Office of Greek Affairs and the sponsor has implemented an authorized "bring-your-own-beverage" system of alcoholic distribution; and
ii. The student is at least 21 years of age; and
iii. The student brings the alcoholic beverage to and removes it from the activity in accordance with procedures specified by the Office of Greek Affairs, or
b. Engages in any form of "drinking contest."
7. On University premises or at University-sponsored activities:
a. Unless expressly authorized by the University except as provided for in Paragraph III.A.10., herein, possesses any kegs, "party- balls", "beer bongs" or other similar common-source containers, whether or not alcoholic beverages are present in such containers; or
b. Possesses any punch bowls, garbage cans, or other common--source containers, provided that alcoholic beverages are present in such containers. However, commercially packaged containers of alcoholic beverages which do not violate paragraph (a) above, such as multiple-serving bottles of alcoholic beverages, may be possessed by a person(s) who are at least 21 years of age.
B. A student violates this Section if he or she is a resident of a University residence hall, or is a visitor or guest of a resident, and
1. Possesses, serves, or consumes alcohol in any public area of a residence hall. Public areas include cafeterias, libraries, lounges, lobbies, hallways, stairways, roofs, and any other area regularly used by the residence hall community.
2. If he or she is under the age of 21 and brings alcohol into or possesses or consumes alcohol in any University residence hall or room therein.
3. Residents 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcohol in their rooms, but may not offer, give, provide, or otherwise make alcohol available to underage visitors, guests, or roommates. Visitors and guests, who are at least 21 years of age, of a resident who is also at least 21 years of age, may bring alcohol to, and possess and consume alcohol in, the resident's room.
C. All documented violations of this Section shall be reported to the Community Living and Learning Center Office of Student Judicial Services, who may investigate the matter for disciplinary action pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct and/or prosecution by District of Columbia law enforcement authorities.
D. If a student is determined to have violated this Section, the following sanctions are recommended:
1. First Violation: $50.00 fine
2. Second violation: $100.00 fine and mandatory evaluation by a certified service.
3. Third violation: Mandatory conference with the Dean of Students or designee to determine the viability of the student's remaining at the University.
4. Students determined to have violated Section II.B. may be evicted and/or barred from the University residence hall system. A student who engages in serious or multiple alcohol-related incidents may be suspended or expelled from the University.
E. The account of any student who fails to comply with any sanction imposed pursuant to Section II. D. shall be encumbered until compliance is forthcoming. Such encumbrance shall include a prohibition from continuing in enrollment at the University.
III. Regulations pertaining to University-sponsored activities at which alcoholic beverages are served.
A. The following regulations are applicable to any University-sponsored activities at which alcoholic beverages are consumed, served, or sold:
1. Alcoholic beverages may be served at University-sponsored activities where a majority of the persons expected to attend the event will be at least 21 years of age.
2. Representatives of the sponsor must monitor all entrances to the activity at all times to identify persons who are 21 years of age or older and who are therefore eligible to be served alcoholic beverages. Only those over 21 shall be admitted or a system such as wrist bands shall be used to identify those of legal drinking age.
3. No person under the age of 21 may be served alcohol at any University-sponsored activity.
4. Unless otherwise specified by other published University policies, alcoholic beverages may be served and consumed at University-sponsored activities only during the following hours: Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday:11:00 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
5. Appropriate amounts of food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available for consumption throughout the duration of the activity.
6. Unless otherwise specified by other published University policies, alcoholic beverages may only be served by University food service personnel or by members of the sponsoring organization(s) who are at least 21 years of age. For activities occurring in the Marvin Center, all servers shall be under the supervision of a manager provided by the University food service contractor or the University Club. The vendor/server must be certified/licensed to serve alcohol and provide written acknowledgment of their understanding, compliance, and enforcement of the University Alcohol Policy and D.C. laws governing the service of alcohol.
7. Except as specifically provided for in Paragraph II.A.4.b.of this Policy, individuals attending the activity may not bring alcoholic beverages to or remove alcoholic beverages from the area of the activity.
8. Drinking contests, in any form, are expressly prohibited at all University-sponsored activities.
9. Alcoholic beverages may not be offered as prizes or awards at any University-sponsored activity.
10. The following containers are prohibited at all University-sponsored activities:
a. Unless approved pursuant to paragraph III.B.1. of this Policy, kegs and "party-balls", "beer bongs", or other similar common-source containers, whether or not alcoholic beverages are present in such containers; and
b. Punch bowls, garbage cans, or other such common-source containers, if alcoholic beverages are present in such containers. However, commercially-packaged containers of alcoholic beverages which do not violate paragraph (a) above, such as multiple-serving bottles of alcoholic beverages purchased from a licensed liquor retailer, as permitted by law, are permitted at University-sponsored activities which comply with this Section.
11. Sponsors are responsible for insuring the activity remains in compliance with applicable District of Columbia laws, this Policy, and other published University regulations and policies.
12. Service of alcohol at fund raisers for student organizations is prohibited.
13. Unless expressly approved by the University, alcohol may not be free to invitees and may not be donated for the event.
B. Procedure for initiating University-sponsored activities at which alcoholic beverages are to be served.
1. Sponsors wishing to initiate a University-sponsored activity at which alcoholic beverages may be served must submit an application to the Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education (CADE), at least five (5) business days prior to the activity. Approval of the service of alcohol at any University-sponsored activities may be granted after each application is reviewed by the Alcohol Request Approval Coordinator (ARAC). ARAC will recommend the approval of an application to serve alcoholic beverages at a University-sponsored event if it determines, in its sole discretion that the application complies with this Policy. Applications are available at the CADE office and online at www.gwired.gwu.edu/cade/eventregistration
2. Members of the organization must undergo the University’s Responsible Alcohol Management (RAM) Training prior to the event. Each organization is responsible for scheduling attendance of a program session and must contact the Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education (994-2599) for a listing of programs offered. There must be a ratio of one (1) Responsible Alcohol Manager per every twenty (20) attendees at the event and must stay for the duration of the event.
3. A temporary District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Class F license must be obtained if alcoholic beverages are being sold at the activity. For these activities, University approval will not be granted until a license is obtained.
4. Pursuant to University regulations governing student organizations entering into binding contracts with non-University companies (see the Student Organizational Manual, available in the Student Activities Center) contracts between alcoholic beverage distributors and student organizations for the provision of alcoholic beverages must be submitted to the Student Activities Center for review at least 30 days prior to the activity for which the alcohol is being purchased.
5. At the discretion of the Alcohol Request Approval Coordinator, the presence of University Police Department officers and/or other security personnel may be required at University-sponsored activities at which alcoholic beverages are to be served. As a guide, ARAC will recommend one security officer per 100 attendees. The sponsor is required to pay for the services of all such personnel.
6. If the activity is to occur on University premises, the University office or department responsible for managing the property has the authority to supervise the delivery of alcoholic beverages to; the storage, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages at; and the removal of alcoholic beverages from the location of the activity. If the sponsor violates this Section or if public safety concerns so warrant, the office or department in question shall have the sole discretion to terminate the activity or the service of alcoholic beverages at the activity.
C. All documented violations of this Section shall be referred to the Community Living and Learning Center Office of Student Judicial Services, who may refer the matter for disciplinary action pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct and/or prosecution by local law enforcement authorities.
D. Student organizations that are determined to have violated this Section may face revocation of the organization's eligibility to sponsor activities on University premises and/or revocation of the organizations official registration with the University. Individual members of the sponsoring group(s) or organizations(s) may be charged and sanctioned in accordance with procedures set forth in the Code of Student Conduct.
IV. Promotion and Publicity of Activities at which Alcoholic Beverages will be Served.
A. For the purposes of this Section, "University premises" includes all public streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and parking areas adjacent to University premises as defined in Section I(E) of this Policy, as well as any public street lights, garbage cans, signs or other fixtures located thereon.
B. The following regulations shall be applicable to all students, student groups or organizations, University departments, faculty members, employees, or other persons or business enterprises that distribute or post advertisements on University premises, buildings, or grounds which are operated in the name of any officially-registered student organization, activities, or events occurring on or off University premises at which alcoholic beverages will be served:
1. Sponsors of University-sponsored activities may not mention alcohol in any advertisements distributed on "University premises" as defined in Subsection I(E) of this Policy. Sponsors may, however, mention alcohol in advertisements distributed on buildings or grounds which are operated in the name of an officially registered student organization, provided that such advertisements otherwise comply with the requirements of this Section.
2. No advertisement may promote the service or consumption of alcoholic beverages as the central theme or focus of the activity, including, but not limited to, the usage of terms such as happy hour or other language promoting drink specials.
3. In all advertisements, the reason for or purpose of the activity shall be given superior promotional prominence to any references to alcoholic beverages.
4. All non-alcoholic beverages to be served in addition to alcoholic beverages shall be given equal promotional prominence in the advertisement.
5. The quantity of alcohol available at the activity shall not be mentioned in the advertisement.
6. Illustrations and emblems related to alcohol, such as pictures of beer bottles, wine glasses, cans, or company logos shall not be used in the promotion of the event.
7. Reduced prices for beer or wine shall not be promoted.
8. All advertisements promoting or implying the availability of alcoholic beverages shall include the phrase "Proof of age required" or "Age ID required."
9. Advertising shall not portray the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
10. Advertisements which promote the availability or consumption of alcohol at any on-or off-campus activity must clearly state the name(s) of the student groups, organizations, and private business establishments which sponsor the activity, as well as the names of all student groups and organizations which circulate or post advertisements on behalf of the sponsors.
11. Sponsors contracting with alcoholic beverage producers and distributors shall be responsible for insuring compliance with this Section as it pertains to advertisements containing the company’s name, logo, or trademark.
C. Residence hall staff members, Student Activities Center staff, Facilities Management staff, employees, and University Police Department personnel shall remove from University premises any advertisement that violates Subsection (B) of this Section.
D. All documented violations of this Section shall be referred to the Community Living and Learning Center Office of Student Judicial Services, who may refer the matter for disciplinary action pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct and/or prosecution by local law enforcement authorities.
E. Student organizations that are determined to have violated this Section may face revocation of the organization's eligibility to sponsor activities on University premises and/or revocation of the organization’s official registration.
