Request Exception to Serve Alcoholic Beverages at an Event on Campus

Guidelines to request an exception

Per Board of Regents’ Rule 80102 (Alcoholic Beverages), the use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on property and in buildings owned or controlled by The University of Texas System or UT Austin unless an exception has been requested from the sponsoring unit and approved by the appropriate delegate PRIOR to the event. To be approved, the event must be sponsored by the university. An event is sponsored if a budgeted office, department, or division of the university is responsible for organizing the event, inviting attendees, and paying expenses related to the event (including when an outside entity pays for food and beverage). Meetings or events organized and presented by registered faculty, staff, or student organizations are not events sponsored by the university.

UT Austin facilities that are licensed under State law for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages are exempt from Regents’ Rule 80102.  For events hosted in licensed facilities, you do not need to complete an exception request. UT Austin licensed facilities include:

Finally, Regents’ Rule 80102 does not apply to events located at non-UT Austin facilities.  For such events, refer to the Handbook of Business Procedures 9.1.1.F (Serving Alcohol at Non-licensed Venues including a Private Residence).

TABC Requirements and UT Austin Recommendations

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) requires that a TABC-licensed caterer/bartender be used when there is an exchange of funds at an event at which alcohol will be served. An exchange of funds includes entry fees (e.g., tickets, donations, etc.) or providing a tip jar for the bartender.

Events with undergraduate students in attendance

The university highly discourages serving alcohol at events at which undergraduate students will be present. Should undergraduates attend such an event, the university requires that a TABC-licensed caterer/bartender be used.

The vice president for legal affairs recommends that a TABC-licensed caterer/bartender be used for all events as this will absolve the university of liability if a minor is served or an individual is overserved.  If alcohol is served by a non-licensed individual, both the individual that served the alcohol and the university could be liable if a minor is served or an individual is overserved.

University employees should not serve alcohol at an event unless such responsibilities are included in their official position description, even if they are TABC licensed.