Alcohol Policy
Revised: September 21, 2017
Policy No. G-04
Page 1 of 7
Responsible Official (Title):
Vice President for Administration
Responsible Office:
Office of the Vice President for Administration
Responsible Division:
Administrative Services
Alcohol Policy
1. Policy Statement
California State University, Fresno is committed to creating a safe and healthy learning environment
for all members of the campus community. The University disapproves of alcohol abuse, intoxication,
and any resulting unacceptable conduct.
While the moderate consumption of alcohol may be an acceptable part of certain social activities,
alcohol abuse conflicts with the mission and values of the University. All students, faculty, staff,
administrators, community guests and visitors are expected to respect, promote and support these
values.
2. Authority
The University President has delegated authority and responsibility for this policy to the Vice President
for Administration.
3. Scope/Applicability
This policy applies to all members of the campus community and shall govern all activities involving
the sale and service of alcoholic beverages on CSU/University property and at University-sponsored
events.
4. Exclusions – None.
5. Definitions
5.1. Alcoholic beverage: includes alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every liquid or solid
containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer, and which contains one-half of one percent or more
of alcohol by volume and which is fit for beverage purposes either alone or when diluted, mixed,
or combined with other substances.
5.2. Public Area: includes any exterior locations on University property, such as, lawns, landscaping,
paths, walkways, roads, parking lots, and garages. It also includes any interior location with
general access for the public, such as, classrooms, hallways, restrooms, labs, and any other
room not specifically occupied as an office or residence on property owned, operated, or leased
by the University or its auxiliaries.
6. Policy Requirements
The sale and service of alcoholic beverages must be conducted in accordance with all federal,
state and local laws and regulations; including the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and
any regulations under the auspices of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
(ABC); as well as California State University (CSU) and University policies and procedures. This
policy shall govern all activities involving alcoholic beverages on University property and at
University-sponsored events.
Alcohol Policy
Revised: September 21, 2017
Policy No. G-04
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6.1. General
The use of alcoholic beverages is limited to the following conditions:
6.1.1. The California State University, Fresno Association, Inc. (Association) and the
Agricultural Foundation of California State University, Fresno (Ag Foundation) are the
only entities licensed by the ABC Board to sell, serve and pour alcoholic beverages on
University property.
6.1.2. The President has designated the VPA or designee to act in all matters related to the
serving of alcoholic beverages on campus. The VPA has designated the Environmental
Health and Safety (EH&S) Manager as the person responsible for these actions. The
EH&S Manager will consult with the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment
Management or designee when an event may involve students.
6.1.3. Applications to obtain a permit to serve alcoholic beverages must be obtained from the
Office of EH&S and should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event.
6.1.4. Any advertising or promotion of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with Section
7 of this policy.
6.1.5. Where appropriate controls cannot be satisfactorily established, authorization shall not
be given for the serving of alcohol.
6.1.6. Organizations must provide verification of insurance coverage or, if eligible, obtain
liability insurance from the Office of EH&S for events where alcohol is served.
6.1.7. Employees of the University may not consume alcoholic beverages while at their
workstation or while on duty unless specifically authorized (e.g., an approved
University-sponsored event). Furthermore, employees are not to be under the
influence of alcohol while on duty.
6.1.8. Students living on campus in the University Courtyard, who are 21 years of age or older
may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their residence hall
rooms, subject to the approval/permission of the Director of Housing. Consumption of
alcoholic beverages is not allowed outside student rooms or in any public area of the
residence halls. All alcohol brought onto the campus by residence hall students must be
brought into the residence halls unopened and concealed from public view. Alcohol not
transported in this manner shall be confiscated and disposed of by University Courtyard
staff. (See Appendix C)
6.2. On-Campus Events (including venues operated by the Athletic Corporation)
6.2.1. Alcohol shall not be served at any event held on University premises, unless specifically
authorized by the VPA or designee.
6.2.2. Organizations cannot utilize off-campus vendors to sell or serve alcohol at campus
events, without the prior written approval of the VPA.
6.2.3. Individuals or groups sponsoring the event must meet the following procedures and
requirements. University Dining Services must be contacted in advance to work out the
details of service for such events.
6.2.3.1. Event organizers must complete an application form to request permission
for alcohol to be served at an event. The document must be submitted to the
Office of EH&S at least 30 days prior to the date of the event. If neither
University Dining Services nor the Director of the University Health and
Counseling Center objects, an authorization may be generated by the EH&S
Manager and will be forwarded to the event organizers. The authorization
must be available for inspection by University Police at the event site while
alcohol is being served.
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Revised: September 21, 2017
Policy No. G-04
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6.2.3.2. Where alcoholic beverages have been donated for an event, there can be no
charge to event participants, either direct or indirect. University Dining
Services must pour the alcohol and will assess a corkage fee.
6.2.3.3. Non-alcoholic beverages and high-protein foods must be readily available to
event participants and as prominently displayed as beverages containing
alcohol.
6.2.3.4. Direct access to the area where alcohol is being served must be restricted to
event participants.
6.2.3.5. Service must be limited to those 21 or over.
6.2.3.6. Persons who are intoxicated must not be served.
6.2.3.7. Servers of alcoholic beverages will be required to complete the appropriate
training and other requirements of the California Department of ABC.
Recognized student organizations shall not be permitted to serve or sell
alcoholic beverages.
6.2.4. Alcoholic beverages may be served at intercollegiate athletic events. Alcoholic
beverages will be limited to wine and beer with one exception. Beverages with distilled
spirits (hard liquor) may be served complimentarily or sold, provided the provision and
consumption of such beverages is limited to VIP suites, skyboxes, or similar premium
seating areas that are distinctly separate and secure from general admission seating
and not predominately used by students or minors. The following procedures must be
met for the sale of alcoholic beverages during intercollegiate athletic events:
6.2.4.1. The sale of alcoholic beverages during athletic events may commence up to
90 minutes prior to event start time/kickoff, but no sooner.
6.2.4.2. The sale of alcoholic beverages during athletic events shall end at conclusion
of third quarter and patron access to areas designated for beer/wine sales
shall cease.
6.2.4.3. Current and valid ID must be presented for alcohol purchase and for entry
into areas designed for beer/wine sales.
6.2.4.4. The purchase of alcoholic beverages shall be limited to two (2) alcoholic
beverages per person, per transaction.
6.2.4.5. Persons who are thought to be intoxicated will not be served.
6.2.4.6. Attendees are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the facility and
are not permitted to leave the facility with alcohol.
6.2.5. The University Police Department shall determine the guidelines for appropriate levels
of security for any event where alcohol is being sold or served. Event sponsors may be
required to pay for additional policing at events where alcohol is served or sold.
6.2.6. The University Police Department may terminate the serving of alcohol at any event if
any of the above rules or laws are not followed.
6.2.7. The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all areas open to the
public on University grounds, unless exempted below. Persons using a permanent or
one-day ABC license must first have the approval of the University’s Chief of Police.
Violation of this prohibition is a misdemeanor pursuant to Education Code Section
89031.
6.2.7.1. Scheduled and approved University and University-sponsored events.
6.2.7.2. “Tailgating” in the University campus fields immediately preceding or
immediately following a sporting event or other scheduled function at
Bulldog Stadium. Tailgating is limited to the Department of Athletics
controlled and supervised parking lots and grassy areas. Campus policy
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Policy No. G-04
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prohibits consumption of alcohol in all other fields and parking lots.
6.2.7.3. Any University- or auxiliary-sponsored retail business or catered event in
possession of a valid ABC license to sell alcoholic beverages.
6.2.7.4. Any other event or function approved by the President or designee.
6.3. Off-Campus Events
6.3.1. The consumption of alcohol during academic field trips, off-campus student group
activities, and other student-oriented off-campus events is strongly discouraged. If
alcohol is consumed during such activities, it must be done so in strict accordance with
all federal, state, local laws and regulations and the terms and restrictions outlined in
this policy. As a general practice, persons under the age of 21 should not be present in
places where alcohol is being consumed.
6.3.2. Students groups must also comply with pertinent local and national organization
guidelines as appropriate. (See Appendices D, E, F and G)
6.3.3. University employees are strongly advised not to provide or purchase alcohol for
students at off campus locations. Employees choosing to provide alcohol to students do
so outside the scope of their employment and assume all liability and risk.
6.4. Policy Violations
6.4.1. Students or Recognized Student Organizations
Students (or student organizations) in violation of this alcohol policy will be referred to
the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and/or
the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development for disciplinary action.
6.4.1.1. In addition, alcohol related violations of the Business and Professions Code
or the Penal Code will be forwarded to the appropriate State or County
judicial agency by the University Police Department
6.4.2. Employees
Employees of the University who violate this policy may be subject to discipline
pursuant California law and the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement
or employment agreement.
6.4.3. Non-University Employees and Guests
The University Police Department is responsible for handling suspected violations of
this policy by invitees, contracted workers, volunteers, visitors or guests on University
property and at University functions.
7. Alcohol Advertising and Promotions
The advertising of alcoholic beverages, including at athletic events in University/auxiliary owned or
operated facilities, is permissible, but must comply with the minimum policy guidelines as described
in Executive Order 1109. Any alcoholic-beverage sponsorships, advertisements and/or promotions
associated with the University or its auxiliary organizations should adhere to the highest standards of
social responsibility. Advertising of alcoholic beverages is limited to beer and wine only.
Advertisements for distilled spirits is not permitted.
7.1. Policy Guidelines
7.1.1. Alcohol advertising must not encourage quantity or frequency of alcohol
consumption.
7.1.2. Advertising shall not portray drinking as a solution to personal or academic problems,
or as conducive to personal, social, athletic or academic success.
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Revised: September 21, 2017
Policy No. G-04
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7.1.3. Alcohol advertising or promotion of alcoholic beverage companies may not be
displayed at a University or auxiliary organization event or facility in a location,
quantity or size that, in the sole discretion of the University or its auxiliary
organization, is deemed unreasonable, undesirable, or otherwise objectionable.
Additionally, activities or promotional events may not be sponsored when it appears
to the University, in its sole discretion, that a substantial purpose of the activity or
promotional event is to benefit an alcoholic beverage company.
7.1.4. Advertisements from retailers or distributors that promote drink specials, refer to
reduced price events, involve prizes, a giveaway of money, free items, coupons for
free items, or discounts of any sort are not allowed. In no case may advertisements
include drinking contest or promotions that offer uncontrolled sampling.
7.1.5. Advertisements may not include oral announcements referring to an alcoholic
beverage company or its products.
7.1.6. Alcohol beverage promotions permitted by the University may not incorporate quotes
from or photos or other likenesses of students, student-athletes, employees (including
coaches, faculty, etc.) or campus mascots as active participants in a promotional
message. Prohibited examples: a promotion stating, “Professor Doe drinks XYZ Beer.”
Also prohibited: a promotion in which student-athletes pass under an alcoholic
beverage banner when entering the playing field. This prohibition applies to all media,
including print, broadcasts, billboards, posters, point-of-sale displays and online
advertising.
7.1.7. In all advertisements, alcoholic beverage trademarks or logos must be clearly
subordinate to the University or auxiliary organization event itself.
7.1.8. The name of an alcoholic beverage product may not be connected to the name, logo
or mascot of the University or its auxiliary organizations for a University-sponsored
event or facility (e.g., XYZ wine gold tournament, XYZ Beer Concert Series, etc.)
7.1.9. University departments and organizations may not distribute clothing, posters or
other promotional items that utilize a Fresno State symbol, name, image, logo or
mascot in combination with an alcoholic beverage trademark or logo.
7.1.10. The University’s name, a department name or any nickname, logo or mascot may not
be utilized in a way that implies a product endorsement by the University. Prohibited:
“XYZ Beer is the beverage of choice for Fresno State Bulldog fans”.
7.1.11. Alcohol beverage marketers/distributors must help promote campus alcohol
awareness programs that encourage and inform students about the responsible use of
or non-use of beer, wine, or distilled spirits. Promotional displays or messages shall
incorporate clear language that encourages only the responsible and legal use of
alcoholic beverages. These educational, social-responsibility messages shall be at least
as prominent as any other message content, such as product slogans or listed attributes
of a particular product.
7.2. Authorization
Any alcohol promotional material connected with any University intercollegiate athletic
event (e.g., media guide game programs, off-campus billboards, etc.) must receive prior
written approval by the Director of Athletics and the President, or their designee.
Any alcohol promotional material or activity associated with a University event or
program (other than intercollegiate athletics) must receive prior written approval by the
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, or designee.
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Revised: September 21, 2017
Policy No. G-04
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7.3. Broadcasts
This policy does not restrict the amount or content of alcohol advertising, purchased
independently through commercial radio or TV companies, during broadcasts of Fresno
State events, except for such signs, promotions or announcements that are directed to
the attendees of University or auxiliary organization events. However, broadcasters under
contract with Fresno State are strongly urged to follow the above provisions when
accepting commercials that promote alcoholic beverages.
7.4. Student Media/Publications
Student media should also be encouraged to follow the above provisions for any
advertising messages by alcoholic beverage companies/distributors/products.
8. Resources and Regulations
8.1. Programs and Services
The University provides a variety of services to encourage and promote responsible drinking
and the prevention of substance abuse. Students in need of assistance due to alcohol related
problems may be referred to alcohol education activities, counseling and/or community
agencies. Such activities and assistance is available through existing University entities such as
the University Health and Counseling Center or they may be offered in conjunction with
community-based programs.
8.1.2. Employees in need of assistance due to alcohol related problems may be referred to
campus services such as the Employee Assistance Program or to appropriate
community services/agencies.
8.2. Laws and Regulations
In the State of California, individuals twenty-one (21) years of age or older may legally purchase,
possess and consume alcoholic beverages.
8.2.1. The Business and Professions Code and related statutes control the sale, consumption,
and possession of alcoholic beverages.
8.2.2. The California State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board is responsible for
interpretation and enforcement of the laws regarding the consumption, sale, or
possession of alcoholic beverages.
8.2.3. The University Police Department is responsible for exercising normal police powers in
enforcing laws relating to alcohol.
9. Procedures to Update or Amend This Policy
The University President may amend this policy as necessary.
10. Where to Obtain Copies of This Policy
A copy of this Policy is available on the Internet at the following address:
http://www.fresnostate.edu/mapp/III/G/G-04.pdf
11. Related Policies, Procedures, Information, Forms
11.1. CSU Executive Order 1109, Sales and Service of Alcoholic Beverages at or in Conjunction with
University Intercollegiate Athletic Events, and Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages on Campus
and at University Athletic Facilities
11.2. Exclusive Rights of University Dining Services, Use of University Buildings and Grounds Policy,
Alcohol Policy
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Policy No. G-04
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Section 16
12. Contact Information
Office of the Vice President for Administration
13. Key Search Words: Alcohol, drinking, wine, beer, sponsorship
14. History/Revision Dates:
July 27, 2000 Approved by President
October 24, 2011 Approved by President, as recommended by the Academic Senate, to change
to an Administrative policy
September 21, 2017 Revision approved by President
15. Next Evaluation Date: Five (5) years from approval date
Purpose: This policy was revised to be in compliance with CSU Executive Order 1109.
The official version of this information is maintained only on the University Policies Manual (UPM) website. Please make certain to review the
material on the website before placing reliance on any printed version or any other online source.
16. Consultation with the Academic Senate: Fall 2017
Yes
X
No
