Serving Alcoholic Beverages at Events on University of Michigan Campuses
— updated October 16, 2007
Which facilities on campus are licensed to serve liquor?
The licensed facilities on campus are: Michigan League, Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons, Oxford Conference Center, and the Business Administration Executive Residence. This means that liquor can be sold or served with meals at events where there is a charge to attend.
Can liquor be served on unlicensed campus sites?
Generally no. However, the state of Michigan Liquor Control Commission allocates twelve special liquor licenses for university wide activities to the University for its use in any one calendar year. Note that the allocation includes the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn Campuses. Requests for a special license must be submitted for approval to the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations (AVPFO) in 3040, Fleming Administration Building. Prior to submitting a request, OGC recommends contacting the AVPFO’s event coordinator at 734-615-9075.
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When is a special license not required for consumption on unlicensed premises?
The event must meet five criteria. These are:
- the event is free of charge;
- the event is not open to the public (i.e. is by invitation only);
- no regular liquor inventory is kept;
- the event is monitored by a designated responsible individual; and
- all servers are certified.
However, any serving of liquor on campus outside of the currently licensed sites requires approval from the AVPFO. Prior to submitting a request, OGC recommends contacting the AVPFO’s event coordinator at 734-615-9075.
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Can non-University organizations use an unlicensed facility for an event at which alcohol will be served?
Yes, but such a group must comply with additional regulations. The group must provide the AVPFO with evidence of liquor liability insurance in an amount determined by the University’s Risk Management Office. The regents of the University of Michigan must be named as an additional insured. Also, the group may be required by law to obtain a special license. If so, a letter of approval from the chief of police or director of public safety and the AVPFO must accompany the license application to the Liquor Control Commission. Prior to submitting a request, OGC recommends contacting the AVPFO’s event coordinator at 734-615-9075.
Can a university sponsor an outside group for a liquor license?
No.
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Is a special license necessary if there is a cash bar on unlicensed premises?
Yes. However, even if there is no cash bar, but the inventory is purchased with funds associated with the event (ticket, registration fee, donation, etc), a special license is required.
Who can serve liquor at a University event on Campus?
U-M employees or students who have been certified by an alcohol server training program may serve liquor. If an outside caterer will provide the server(s) the caterer must prove that the servers provided for the event are certified.
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How do you become certified to serve alcohol?
Certification requires training. Some organizations that will provide adequate training include:
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Is alcohol permitted at outdoor student sponsored events?
No.
Can individuals who host or serve at an event be vulnerable to personal liability?
Yes. However, you are insured for claims made against you for any loss or damage resulting from your University sponsored activities, except for any loss or damage resulting from any willful misconduct or illegal activities. For more details on procedures to follow in the event of some claim against you, please visit the Risk Management web site at http://www.umich.edu/~riskmgmt/faq.html
Are patrons allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages onto licensed premises?
No. However, hotel guests may bring in their own alcoholic beverages to the bedrooms or suites of a licensed hotel for consumption within these limited areas.
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If I am hosting an event for business related purposes at which alcohol is served, what do I need to do to be reimbursed for the alcohol?
The alcohol expense must be separated from other expenses and covered by an appropriate non-sponsored, non-general fund funding source. We recommend that you contact appropriate personnel within your school, college or administrative unit to obtain approval for the alcohol expense prior to detailed planning for your event and most certainly before purchasing any alcohol.
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