B.Y.O.B. Closed/Private Events Overview

The university has adopted the following guidelines, in an effort to promote safety and adherence to state law and local ordinances at organization-sponsored events at Susquehanna University where alcohol will be served. These guidelines apply to all university student organizations and supplement all existing policies regarding alcohol at the university.
An organization that plans to have a closed/private Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) event must meet the following requirements:

1. Alcohol Control
   
   1. All events shall comply with the Susquehanna University rules and regulations as set forth in this Student Handbook.
   2. Distribution of alcohol using a delivery system that provides large quantities of product (e.g. kegs, beer balls, mass mixtures of alcohol) is prohibited. The only acceptable means of distributing alcohol is described below.
   3. No alcoholic beverages may be purchased using organization funds, nor may individual purchase/provide alcoholic beverages on behalf of the organization.
   4. Alcohol may be brought to an event by individuals who are both:
      1. 21 years old or older and,
      2. Invited individuals who are on the event guest list (including members of the host organization).
   5. The maximum amount that a person of legal age may bring to a party is limited as follows:
      1. Four12-ounce beers or
      2. Four 12-ounce containers of bottled beverage of no more than 6% alcohol content
      3. All containers must be sealed. Any container that has been opened will not be accepted.
      4. A person may receive and be in possession of only one beverage at a time.
      5. Alcoholic beverages may not be served until the official starting time of the event.
   6. A designated “bar area” must be delineated where alcohol is to be served and consumed. This area is limited to guests 21 years of age or older.
      
2. Scheduling of Closed/Private Events
   
   
   1. For events where alcohol will be present, the host organization must have appropriate Host Liquor Liability Insurance. (Please contact the Director of Campus Activities for more information.)
   2. The number of closed parties permitted each semester is based on the organization's demonstrated ability to effectively manage its social events.
   3. Closed/private events may not be held during midterm examination periods, reading days and final examination periods.
   4. Proper registration with the Director of Campus Activities must be filed by 2 p.m., the Tuesday prior to the function. Once the function has been authorized, the guest list must be turned in by at least 2 p.m. on the last business day before the event.
   5. The number of guests is determined by the fire code for the selected venue. You must contact the Director of Campus Activities to determine the number of guests permitted.
   6. Events where alcohol will be present may not be advertised.
   7. Party Hours:
      1. Authorized parties will be scheduled for no more than four hours on Friday or Saturday evenings.
      2. Starting times for functions will be 10 p.m. unless a change is authorized by the Director of Campus Activities.
         
3. Management of Closed/Private Events
   
   1. All guest lists are to be available at the door for the duration of the function.
   2. Individual organizations are responsible for assembling a TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) team who will manage the operations of the event, composed of members who have had TIPS training authorized or provided through the Office of Campus Activities. The TIPS team will ensure compliance with alcohol and occupancy restrictions. Each organization is expected to abide by the event management policies set forth by its national/international organizations (if applicable).
   3. Hosts of such events are responsible for the actions and safety of their guests and must be aware of the liabilities assumed in serving alcohol to others and the liabilities assumed in providing a location or event where alcohol will be consumed.
      
4. Submitting an outline: In addition to adhering to the requirements above, the host organization must also submit an outline of how they plan to address the following issues:
   
   1. Notification to guests that they have been invited to the function. This notification should include the time and place of the event, and when and where to bring alcohol (if appropriate).
   2. Description of the bar area at the event, how it will be managed and how alcohol will be distributed. Alcohol may be distributed and consumed in the bar area only. Only persons who are 21 years old or older and who have wristbands issued for the event may be present in the bar area.
   3. Non-alcoholic beverages and food proportionate to the number of guests must be provided during the event.
   4. Outline of how the function organizers and the TIPS team will provide oversight of the function to promote the adherence to the university policies and event restrictions.
   5. Outline of how you will orchestrate the cool down period and shut down the event.