Hosting Events Where Alcohol Is Served
Event organizers are encouraged to promote responsible behavior at all events where alcohol is served. All University policies and applicable laws must be followed. Refer to the official UCSF Alcohol Policy (Policy 200-31) for full details.
Additional information about spending policies can be found in the Supply Chain Management Meals and Entertainment Guidelines.
Recommended Hosting Practices
Use the following tips to ensure your event is safe, compliant, and enjoyable:
- Whenever possible, hire a licensed, insured bartender trained in safe alcohol service.
- If serving alcohol yourself on UCSF premises:
- Get permission from the space owner, and
- Obtain approval from your Administrative Director or Dean.
Responsible Alcohol Service Tips
- If hosting a cash bar, use drink tickets and avoid pricing alcohol too low.
- Offer low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverage options.
- Serve a variety of food to slow alcohol absorption; avoid salty snacks that increase thirst.
- Close the bar before the scheduled end of the event.
- Position the bar away from high-traffic areas.
- Use servers instead of offering self-service alcohol.
- Restrict bar access to authorized personnel only.
- Avoid refilling guests' glasses as they circulate.
- Do not raffle alcohol or host contests involving alcohol.
- Have a plan in place for handling intoxicated guests, including arranging a designated driver.
For questions about event liability, please contact Meg Cody, Contracts Officer.