Events with Alcohol

Student organization events that include alcohol must follow all guidelines set forth by the Office of Student Engagement and Goucher College. Here are a few of those guidelines to assist in the planning process. 

  • The Office of Student Engagement staff will review an organization's request to register an event with alcohol and all plans for the event. OSE will grant or deny approval for the event based on a variety of criteria, including appropriateness of the event, the organization's ability to execute its plans in accordance with college policies and in a timely fashion, and knowledge of other college events scheduled for the same time.
  • Beer and wine (only) may be sold at scheduled and approved student events that are registered with the OSE at least three weeks (15 working days) in advance.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages and food must be available for the duration of the event.
  • A liquor license is required and a member of the OSE staff will assist the RSO with obtaining one for the event. The event may not occur with out the proper documentation in hand.
  • At least one campus safety officer must be hired for an event where alcohol will be served.
  • If more than 100 attendees are expected, a minimum of two officers are required, with the need for additional officers being determined by the OSE and Office of Campus Safety.
  • One campus safety officer will be responsible for checking identification cards and wrist banding those individuals of legal drinking age.
  • At least one leader/officer of the RSO sponsoring the event must be present at all times during the event. This individual cannot consume alcohol during the event. This/these person(s) will circulate throughout the event to ensure that alcohol is not being consumed by those who are under 21 and that those in attendance are behaving responsibly.
  • Faculty and staff advisors are encouraged to attend the sponsoring organization's events.
  • A designated server who has completed appropriate training will serve the alcohol. It is the server's responsibility to ensure that underage and visibly intoxicated persons are not served alcohol.
  • The cost of alcohol may not be included in the admission price for the event.
  • Alcohol must be served in a separate area that is restricted to individuals who are at least 21 years of age.
  • Students' wrist bands will be punched each time that alcohol is purchased.
  • Individuals attending the event cannot bring their own alcohol.
  • Students are permitted to have no more than one drink per hour for a maximum of four hours.
  • Violations of the above policies will result in the organization's loss of privileges to hold events at which alcohol is served and may be referred to the Associate Director of Student Accountability or Dean of Students as appropriate.