UCLA Policy 865 : Sale, Service, and Consumption of Alcohol on UCLA Property
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Issuing Officer: Administrative Vice Chancellor
Responsible Office: - Look Up Contact Person
Effective Date: June 1, 2026
Supersedes: SOLE’s UCLA Student Alcohol Policy, dated 8/07/2007
Revision History: APP History

I.          PURPOSE AND SCOPE

In accordance with policies that govern the use of University Property including but not limited to UCLA Policy 850, General Use of UCLA Property, UCLA Policy 860 Organized Events, and UCLA Policy 862 Major Events, this Policy governs the sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on UCLA Property.

Events, programs, or activities not on UCLA Property that are sponsored, conducted, or associated with UCLA, including the use of the UCLA name or trademarks as specified in UCLA Policy 110, are subject to the regulations of the properties on which such events are located along with the guidelines set forth by State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”), and other applicable laws and University regulations including but not limited to those outlined in Attachments A & B.

This Policy does not cover the rules and regulations governing the procurement, approval, or reimbursement process for business meetings and entertainment-related alcohol purchases. Please refer to UC Business Finance Bulletin: BUS-79 – Expenditures for Entertainment, Business Meetings, and Other Occasions for more information.

For sections in this Policy that refers to approval by a Designated University Official who is not designated in this Policy, contact the UCLA Events Office.

II.   DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Policy:

See UCLA Policy 850 General Use of UCLA Property Attachment A: Definitions

Defined terms are capitalized in this Policy.

III.   POLICY STATEMENT

In every instance where alcohol consumption is permitted, the individuals and organizations involved are responsible for compliance with applicable local, state (see Attachment A) and federal laws, this Policy, and other applicable University regulations including but not limited to those outlined in Attachment B.

In addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations, Event Organizers (e.g., University Units, Registered Campus Organizations (RCOs), Non-Affiliates, or individual student, staff or faculty, etc.) and all other individuals involved with the service and/or sale of alcohol on UCLA Property must:

  1. Conduct business in a manner that aligns with UCLA True Bruin Values (https://truebruin.ucla.edu/);
  2. Provide an environment that is conducive to sensible and responsible alcohol consumption;
  3. Train staff about responsible alcohol sales and service, including but not limited to legalities and stipulations outlined in this Policy;
  4. Adopt policies and procedures that discourage excessive alcohol consumption;
  5. Market such events in a manner which integrates the message of social norms and harm reduction, and not those that encourage alcohol consumption (i.e., events which market “all you can drink”, “two for the price of one”, or highly discounted alcoholic beverages are prohibited); and,
  6. Set a procedure to check government-issued identification for anyone under the age of 21 years old. For events/gatherings where participants will include those under 21 years old, consider issuing wristbands to distinguish between those who are authorized to consume alcohol.

A.  Sale of Alcoholic Beverages for Public Organized/Major Events

  1. The public sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except on premises licensed by the ABC, and where a permit has been approved by a Designated University Official including law enforcement as applicable.
  2. Non-Affiliated Event Organizers who are also qualified non-profits may apply for an ABC-221: Daily Authorization Form (one-day permit) for alcoholic beverage sales at specific Organized/Major Events (see UCLA Policies 860 and 862).
  3. For-profit Event Organizers may arrange for alcoholic beverage sales at specific Organized/Major Events through a registered caterer eligible to acquire a liquor license for the event.
  4. Non-profit Event Organizers may only sell donated alcoholic beverages at Organized/Major Events with alcoholic beverages only if they apply for an ABC-221: Daily Authorization Form and receive a one-day permit from the ABC to do so.
  5. Charging a fee to an Organized/Major Event and then providing “complimentary” alcohol to the guests of the event for no additional charge constitutes a sale of alcohol requiring an ABC license.
  6. A separate designated area for the sale and consumption of alcohol may be required within the event space to contain the activity based on the scope of the Organized/Major Events. 

B.  Alcohol Service without the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages for Private Organized/Major Events

  1. Alcohol service without sale of alcoholic beverages may be allowed at certain private Organized/Major Events only with the approval by a Designated University Official.
  2. Service without sale of alcoholic beverages must be complementary to the Organized/Major Event.
  3. Charging a fee to an Organized/Major Event and then providing “complimentary” alcohol to the guests of the event for no additional charge constitutes a sale of alcohol requiring an ABC license.
  4. The consumption of alcohol may not be the primary focus of the event and drinking contests or games are strictly prohibited.
  5. Event Organizers must make non-alcoholic beverages complimentary and food available during the time alcohol is served.
  6. Attendance must be limited to Event Organizer’s members and their personally invited guests or participants.
  7. Event Organizers must be present during the entire event and are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
  8. Event Organizers must ensure that alcohol consumption at events held in outdoor University locations (e.g., campus quads) have measures in place to prevent guests from transporting or consuming event served alcohol outside the designated event boundary.

C.  Consumption of Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol is only permitted in the following locations and circumstances and in accordance with applicable laws and University regulations:

  1. In individual residence rooms, residential apartments, and residential houses at the discretion of the occupants and in accordance with On Campus Housing Regulations policy, and State laws.
  2. Private, controllable offices/spaces of University Units conducting a small meeting or function (30 persons or less) among employees with the approval of and in the presence of a Director-level staff member or faculty member predesignated by the University Unit.  All persons in attendance must be 21 years of age or older. It is highly recommended that University Units engage a licensed professional server.
  3. In the following circumstances where a permit has been approved by ABC and/or by a Designated University Official:

a.  In locations covered by a license issued by the ABC.

b.  At Organized/Major Events and only in the area specifically designated on the permit issued by ABC and in the Events Online (EOL).

D. Restrictions for Alcohol Service

Regardless if alcohol is complimentary or sold, the following restrictions apply:

  1. Servers of alcohol must be at least 21 years of age and a licensed professional server who has passed Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and is current with their RBS certification, unless it meets the criteria of section III.C.
  2. Alcohol may not be served and/or consumed at an Organized Event or Major Event where attendance is expected to consist predominantly of individuals under 21 years of age.
  3. Individuals are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages to Organized/Major Events.
  4. State funds may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. Federal funds, such as from sponsored awards, may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages unless the award explicitly allows such a purchase.
  5. Additional regulations apply to Organized/Major Events that take place within, or on grounds immediately adjacent to, the University undergraduate residence halls and residential suites, whether planned by University Unit, RCO, Authorized Student Government, or Non-Affiliate Event Organizers. Refer to On Campus Housing Regulations for additional policies and regulations. 
  6. Event participation must be limited to individuals who are authorized to attend the event pursuant to the event approval and registration process.
  7. When individuals in attendance are under 21, there must be a clear process to verify age such as checking government-issued IDs or the use of wristbands to distinguish those who are 21 and over from those under 21.                

F.  Alcohol-Related Advertisement

This section is intended to apply to advertisements for Organized/Major Events; it is not intended to apply to advertising in campus publications by alcoholic beverage manufacturers or distributors or routine event communications that include incidental or factual references to alcohol availability.

1.  Advertisements, social media postings, or any form of promotions which may include but are not limited to Organized/Major Events including activities organized by University Units, RCOs, and Non-Affiliates on UCLA Property that reference alcoholic beverages, in any form (e.g., print ads, e-mail or website announcements, banners, signs, flyers, t-shirts, etc.), must adhere to the following restrictions:

a.  Must not portray drinking as a means to academic or social success, or encourage excessive drinking;

b.  Must not associate alcohol with the performance of tasks that require skilled reactions, such as the driving of an automobile, riding a bicycle, electric scooter, skateboard, or other personal mobility devices, or operating heavy machinery or dangerous equipment;

c.  Must not suggest that drinking is the sole purpose;

d.  Must not promote alcohol consumption as an expectation during the event or activity; and

e.  Must not suggest or imply the overconsumption of alcohol is encouraged or condoned.

2.  Distribution of products that utilize UCLA Assets (as defined in UCLA Policy 110), including promotional clothing, specialty items, and other consumer items, is subject to UCLA Policy 110: Use of the University’s Names, Seals, and UCLA Trademarks and UC Trademark Licensing Code of Conduct. University Units, RCOs, and ASGs may not distribute promotional items that utilize an alcoholic beverage trademark or logo in combination with a University trademark or logo, without express permission from the UCLA Marks Office and comply with related University standards.

G.  Non-Compliance

Individuals and/or groups who fail to comply with this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action under University policies or, as applicable, collective bargaining agreements (up to and including immediate termination of employment, student and/or organization suspension, etc.), and/or criminal penalties under law. Further, failure to comply with this Policy may result in denial of use and/or event cancellation by the Designated University Official.

IV. ATTACHMENTS

 

 

 

ISSUING OFFICER
/s/ Beck, Michael


Administrative Vice Chancellor