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Alcohol Use Policy

Responsible Official: Vice President for Student Affairs
Responsible University Offices: Offices of Student Affairs, Dean of Students
Review Period: 5 years
Date of Last Review: September 2024
Relates to: Faculty, Staff, & Students

Summary of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to maintain the safety and well-being of our community members while promoting healthy, safe, and secure environments, and being good stewards of the University's assets.

Also, all federal and state regulations regarding alcohol use apply on campus and to all Case Western Reserve University events. It is illegal in Ohio for alcoholic beverages to be made available by sale or otherwise to anyone under the age of 21.

Failure to adhere to federal and state laws and/or university policies will result in individuals or organizations being referred to the appropriate disciplinary or oversight process for review.

Prohibited alcohol-related behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Possession, use of alcohol, and/or distribution to an individual under the legal drinking age
  2. Public intoxication by any individual
  3. Use or possession of alcohol in a public space
  4. Use of alcohol leading to illness or injury
  5. Use of possession of bulk quantity or common sources of alcohol including but not limited to kegs, large open containers, or a large number of individual servings likely for use as a common source
  6. Use and/or presence of alcohol while participating in drinking games or other high risk behavior including funneling or other binge-drinking activities
  7. Violation of other University alcohol policies
  8. Use or possession of alcohol by any individual in substance-free University housing.

Alcohol Transports

University community members are encouraged to seek assistance for students due to overconsumption of alcohol. While on campus, contact CWRU Public Safety. While off campus, contact local emergency services or 911.

Case Western Reserve University's Medical Amnesty Policy eliminates code of conduct consequences for students and/or organizations seeking assistance, for the assisted individual and others involved.

Alcohol at University Sponsored Events

The Alcohol Use Policy is applicable to any events sponsored by University recognized departments, organizations, or student organizations where alcohol service is a part of the event and students are present.

The University conforms to all state and local laws controlling the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. It is illegal to sell, provide, gift, or serve beer, wine, liquor or any alcoholic beverage to anyone who is under the legal age of 21. Servers of alcohol and sponsors of social events must be aware of and comply with all state statutes and with Case Western Reserve University policies and procedures. If there is any storage of alcohol before, during, and/or after an event, the alcohol must be locked and secured with no access to students.

The University expects responsible behavior of students of legal drinking age who choose to drink alcoholic beverages and requires an environment free of coercion for those who choose to abstain. Therefore, students must adhere to expectations of the University for responsible and legal consumption of alcoholic beverages. Individual students must accept responsibility for their behavior and should demonstrate a concern for the safety and well-being of others in the University community.

The following rules apply:

  1. Review the procedures for purchasing alcohol and other considerations; not following the proper procedures could result in the order or reimbursement being denied per the University Catering policy.
  2. No one should be coerced, even subtly, to drink or overindulge, and the rights of those who choose to abstain must be respected. To that end, drinking games are not allowed at any university or student organization sponsored events.
  3. The sponsors or organizers of events where alcohol will be served must file an Alcohol Use Report (AUR) on CampusGroups after all event details have been coordinated, any required F or F-2 permits are acquired (if applicable), and arrangements have been made to meet with a risk manager with the appropriate office as listed below:
    • When alcohol is sold, temporary F or F-2 permits will be required in accordance with state laws and these permits should be requested at least 30-45 days prior to the scheduled event date. The sale of alcohol is defined to include such methods for defraying the cost of the beverage or event as sale by the glass or container, advance ticket sales, and cover charges at the door. Please contact the Office of General Counsel for more information.
    • Student organizations must complete the AUR prior to the event occurring, which should be at least seven (7) days prior to the event, allowing time to meet with the appropriate office (Student Activities & Leadership, Multicultural Affairs, Greek Life, Residence Life, Graduate Student Life, and/or Graduate/Professional School Student Services and receive final approval from the Office of the Dean of Students.
    • University departments must complete the AUR prior to the event occurring, which should be at least seven (7) days prior to the event, allowing time to communicate with and receive final approval from a representative in the Office of the Dean of Students.
    • A copy of the approved form, which can be downloaded as a PDF from the submitter's CampusGroups user area must be posted at approved events.
    • Before the event begins, the approved form must be provided to the key person or people responsible for the event space or building staff.
  4. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited in public places according to state law and are specifically restricted in some university areas including Harkness and Amasa Stone Chapels. Restrictions for alcohol inside other facilities may vary. When alcohol is present at an outdoor public space, the space must be clearly defined by roping off the designated area and posting appropriate signage.
  5. At all events where alcohol is served, including BYOB and events with third-party vendors, an effective identification system (e.g. tickets, wristbands, stamps) must be established and adhered to for certifying those legally of age to drink. To obtain alcoholic beverages, a valid driver's license or other approved legal or University document showing proof of age and photo must be presented.
  6. The amount of alcohol beverages provided should reflect the proportion of those attending the event who are legally eligible to drink. Therefore, the quantity of alcohol will be determined by using the following formula: number of standard servings (e.g. 12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz liquor) = number of legal drinkers in attendance x number hours of the event. Individuals should not consume more than one alcoholic beverage per hour.
  7. When beer or malt-based beverages are provided, it must be served to individuals in single serving containers of 12 oz or less. When wine or liquor is provided, it must also be served in appropriately sized glasses, no greater than 12 oz for beer, 5oz for wine, and 1.5oz of liquor per drink.
  8. At all events where alcohol is served, the sponsor of the event must provide an equal or greater amount of non-alcoholic beverages. The amount of non-alcoholic beverage provided should be sufficient to serve the number of people attending the event who are too young to drink alcohol or choose not to drink alcohol.
  9. When alcohol is served, a sufficient amount of food must be provided by the sponsor of the event in adequate amounts to last for the duration of the event. At least half of the food available should be a non-salty offerings, which can include proteins and carbohydrates that have no or very low sodium contents to help slow the absorption of alcohol and not lead to dehydration. The food offerings should equate to at least one serving of food per hour. For example, if an event with alcohol is two hours, then the equivalent food servings should be two per person. If food runs out prior to the end of the scheduled event, alcohol service must cease.
  10. The kind and amount of security required for an on-campus event will be determined according to the Division of Public Safety requirements. Factors to be used in determining the kind and amount of security are: the nature of the event, the number of people attending the event, whether alcoholic beverages are being served, and whether cash will be on hand. At an off-campus event the kind and amount of security shall be determined by the third party vendor providing the alcohol.
  11. Advertising and marketing for events which encourage drinking or drunkenness as themes and the advertisement of such events are considered inappropriate and will not be permitted. Be aware that neither the cost nor brand of an alcoholic beverage may be advertised in Ohio on marketing materials.The availability of non-alcoholic beverages at the event should be featured as prominently as alcoholic beverages in all marketing. Marketing should include that proper ID will be required.
  12. The serving of alcohol must cease at least one-half hour before the scheduled end of the event.
  13. When entertainment is included in the event, the type of entertainment and the duration must be listed on the Alcohol Use Report.
  14. The gift of alcohol and/or the use of alcohol as an award or gift for a student activity, event, or contest is prohibited.
  15. Individuals or groups violating state law or the university student alcohol policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
  16. The designated representatives within the Offices of Student Affairs and Dean of Students have the discretion to approve, deny or otherwise modify the Alcohol Use Report; to limit the amount of alcohol purchased, to restrict the location of the event, and to restrict the time, place and/or manner in which alcohol is served.