Home > V. Administrative, Financial, and Facilities Policies

Chapter 26 – Alcohol and Alcoholic Beverage Service

(Amended 5/12; 2/17/23)

Effective February 17, 2023, this policy replaces the former V-26 Alcoholic Beverage Service Guidelines and Procedures. Individual changes are not highlighted. 

26.1 Policy Statement and Authority

  1. Alcoholic beverage sales or service is prohibited on university-owned or -operated property by both UI and non-UI entities, except as outlined in this policy and in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. This policy establishes standards and regulations for the University of Iowa related to alcohol sales and service.
  2. The Office of the Vice President for Student Life, or designee, reviews, modifies, authorizes, approves, or denies all requests for alcoholic beverage service for all UI entities, at all venues, both on and off-campus. It is the responsibility of the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, in partnership with University Housing & Dining, to implement and enforce this policy as it applies to academic buildings, colleges, and faculty.
  3. Alcoholic beverage service can be an amenity associated with select educational, cultural, social, recognition, and alumni development programs or events. The sale and service of alcohol will be confined to these purposes. Alcohol should not be the central focus of any university activity. The University of Iowa is committed to its Harm Reduction Plan and the limiting of overconsumption and excessive alcohol use.

    The University of Iowa adheres to the following:
    1. The university will follow all applicable provisions as outlined in IC 123 and IAC [681]12.7(262) related to alcoholic beverage control. 
    2. No individual younger than 21 years of age may purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages in the State of Iowa.
    3. No individual aged 21 or older may possess or consume an alcoholic beverage on UI property except in defined or designated areas.
    4. No UI college, department, unit, office, or registered student organization may provide an alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21.
    5. No faculty member, staff member, or student may provide an alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21.
    6. No faculty member, staff member, or student may provide consumable alcohol to anyone in the classroom environment regardless of age.
    7. No individual younger than 21 may possess false identification for the illegal purchase or procurement of an alcoholic beverage at on- or off-campus events.
    8. No individual will sell or serve alcoholic beverages to an individual who is, or appears to be, intoxicated.
    9. The hours when alcoholic beverage service may be legally sold and served in the State of Iowa are Monday through Saturday, 6:00 AM–2:00 AM and Sunday from 8:00 AM– 2:00 AM. It is the preference of the university to not begin service before 9:00 AM and to end service by 11:00 PM. Exceptions to these times may be approved by the Vice President for Student Life or their designee.
    10. No UI student, faculty, or staff member is allowed to use federal- or state-appropriated funds to purchase alcoholic beverages.
    11. A common-source container is never allowed at on- or off-campus events.
    12. Registered student organizations are not allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages with student activity fees, university-collected fees, or funds deposited and expensed through the Student Organization Business Office.
    13. Registered student organization events with alcoholic beverage service may not be open to the public, and service must be limited to organization members and their guests. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Vice President for Student Life or their designee.
    14. No UI college, department, unit, office, program, or registered student organization may host a for-profit event from the direct sale of alcoholic beverages. The collection of a cover charge is not allowed at any on- or off-campus event. Incentives or promotions are not allowed related to the sale or service of an alcoholic beverage (e.g., two-for-one deal, donate and receive a discount, drinks for a cause, etc.).
    15. Alcoholic beverage promotions may not be advertised or merchandised on campus or promoted on event materials or literature.
    16. No UI college, department, unit, office, program, or registered student organization may accept free alcoholic beverages from an outside source or funds from an alcohol manufacturer or distributor.

26.2 Alcohol Harm Reduction

  1. High-risk drinking is a serious public health issue and can jeopardize the health and well-being of UI students. For widespread and sustained change on this important public health issue, the university community considers initiatives beyond educating students on how to make more responsible choices with alcoholic beverages. Since 2010, the University of Iowa has had a written Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan, grounded in comprehensive, evidence-based, environmental, and individual-based strategies.
  2. As outlined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA),* there are five strategic objectives that guide the University of Iowa's efforts at the institutional level:
    1. Offer and promote social, recreational, extracurricular, and public service options that do not include alcoholic beverages and other drugs;
    2. Create a social, academic, and residential environment that supports health-promoting norms;
    3. Limit alcoholic beverage availability;
    4. Restrict marketing and promotion of alcoholic beverages; and
    5. Develop and enforce campus policies.

* NIAAA College Task Force, Reducing Alcohol Problems on Campus: A Guide to Planning and Evaluation, April 2002

26.3 Definitions

Terms listed are used throughout this policy and are defined below:

  1. Academic building: a facility supported by general education funds that houses academic colleges, departments, units, offices, and programs,  where academic instruction or research occurs within a general assignment classroom.
  2. Academic functions: events or social activities within an academic building, sponsored by an academic college, department, unit, office, or program, and hosted by the dean of the college or collegiate faculty.
  3. Alcoholic beverage: any beverage containing more than 0.5 percent of alcohol by volume, including alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer.
  4. Alcoholic (hard) liquor or spirits: varieties of liquor which contain more than 5 percent of alcohol by weight, beverages made which contain more than five percent of alcohol by weight but which are not wine or high alcoholic content beer, and every other liquid or solid, patented or not, containing spirits and every beverage containing more than 17 percent alcohol by weight or 21.25 percent of alcohol by volume, and susceptible of being consumed by a human being, for beverage purposes.
  5. Beer: any liquid capable of being used for beverage purposes made by the fermentation of an infusion in potable water of barley, malt and hops, with or without unmalted grains or decorticated and degerminated grains or made by the fermentation of or by distillation of the fermented products of fruit, fruit extracts, or other agricultural products, containing more than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume but not more than 5 percent of alcohol by weight but not including mixed drinks or cocktails mixed on the premises.
  6. Beer and wine service: the sale of only beer and wine, including hard seltzers and ciders.
  7. Non-hosted bar (cash bar): alcoholic beverage service by the means of a cash bar must be for a closed group, either by invitation or advance ticket or as part of a closed, scheduled food event. Sufficient stock will be provided for the time specified for the event based on attendance estimates made by the sponsoring organization. Additional stock may be provided at the discretion of the University Catering administrator on duty. University Catering must provide all non-hosted cash bars on campus. Licensed external vendors are only allowed to serve a hosted bar, if approved.
  8. Common-source container: kegs, coolers, pitchers, punch bowls, bathtubs, trash cans, common shared refrigerators, or similar common-source containers of alcoholic beverages intended to serve as a source of open access to alcoholic beverages at a party or other gathering.
  9. Hosted bar: alcoholic beverage service by the means of a hosted bar must be for a closed group, either by invitation or advance ticket or as part of a closed, scheduled food event. Beverage type, quantity, price, minimum guarantee in sales, and estimated attendance must be agreed upon and confirmed in writing as least 2 weeks prior to the event. Increases in quantity during the event must be approved by and at the discretion of the University Catering administrator on duty and the representative of the group making original arrangements.
  10. Off-campus event: Any event or activity off campus which is initiated, aided, funded, authorized, or supervised by the university or any authorized university official(s) (e.g., affiliated student, student organization or group, staff, faculty, department, athletic events, entertainment venues, development/fundraising function).
  11. On-campus event: any event or activity on campus which is initiated, aided, funded, authorized, or supervised by the university or any authorized university official(s) (e.g., affiliated student, student organization or group, staff, faculty, department, athletic events, entertainment venues, development/fundraising function).
  12. Private university departmental event: an event held by and for a university department (college, center, office, department, unit), such as a gathering of faculty to meet with a new recruit. For purposes of this policy, "private university departmental events" are events limited to employees and guests, are not open to the public, and may serve or sell alcoholic beverages.
  13. Registered student organization: any student-led organization registered by the Division of Student Life (DSL). This includes, but is not limited to, fraternities and sororities, sport clubs, interest clubs or societies, academic organizations, special interest groups, and all other groups that receive registration through DSL.
  14. Wine: any beverage containing more than 5 percent of alcohol by weight but not more than 17 percent of alcohol by weight or 21.25 percent of alcohol by volume obtained by the fermentation of the natural sugar contents of fruits or other agricultural products, but excluding any product containing alcohol derived from malt or by the distillation process from grain, cereal, molasses, or cactus.

26.4 Service Requirements

  1. General requirements. All alcoholic beverage service must follow the requirements outlined below:
    1. All service will be within the limits established within the university’s alcoholic beverages license.
    2. All service must follow the parameters outlined in this policy related to specific functions.
    3. All alcoholic beverage service will be supplied by University Catering, a department within University Housing & Dining, for all on-campus events. Exceptions must be approved by the Vice President for Student Life, and licensed external vendors must complete appropriate administrative processes defined in this policy. The Division of Student Life carries the liquor license for the University of Iowa.
    4. The dispensing and control of alcoholic beverages are the responsibility of University Catering for all on-campus and most off-campus events. University Catering is not allowed to offer cash bars off campus per State of Iowa requirements.
    5. All alcoholic beverage service at off-campus venues or events must be provided by licensed external vendors if University Catering is not available to provide the service. Licensed external vendors must complete appropriate administrative processes as defined by the Office of Risk Management, Insurance, and Loss Prevention and University Purchasing. The necessary dramshop insurance must be obtained, and the University of Iowa must be listed as an additional insured. Only approved and licensed external vendors are allowed to offer a hosted bar in a campus facility and must comply with State of Iowa requirements.
    6. University Catering reserves the right to limit the total attendance in a room and the quantity of alcoholic beverage to be provided (based on attendance estimates, event duration, and monitored behavior of those in attendance).
    7. On- or off-campus events with alcoholic liquor or spirits service are closed to the public and must be by invitation only.
    8. Only beer and wine service may be served at events open to the campus community or public.
    9. On-campus alcoholic beverage service is limited to designated facilities. Automatic approval may be granted based on the event host, scope of the program, and following consultation with University Catering. Automatically approved on-campus facilities include:
      1. Athletics Hall of Fame;
      2. Bob Pearl Field;
      3. Carver-Hawkeye Arena;
      4. Duane Banks Field;
      5. Finkbine Golf Course and Clubhouse;
      6. Hancher Auditorium;
      7. Iowa Memorial Union;
      8. Kinnick Stadium, including Paul W. Brechler Press Box and Hawkeye Village, on home football game days;
      9. Levitt Center for University Advancement;
      10. Pentacrest Museums;
      11. President’s Residence;
      12. Stanley Museum of Art;
      13. University Libraries;
      14. University Theatres;
      15. Locations in academic buildings identified by each collegiate dean.
        1. Two selected and approved locations in academic buildings must be:
          1. Approved by the Executive Vice President and Provost or designee and the Vice President for Student Life or designee;
          2. Updated biennially and remain on file with University Catering as automatically approved locations.
        2. Additional spaces in academic buildings may be allowed for single events at the approval of the Vice President for Student Life or designee.
        3. Outdoor terraces, patios, pavilions, or porches may be selected as automatically approved locations.
        4. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may select four automatically approved locations, given the number of academic buildings in which the college functions.
      16. Additional campus locations may be used for single events with the approval of the Vice President for Student Life or designee.
    10. Alcoholic beverage service may not occur on campus before 9:00 AM.
    11. Alcoholic beverage service is available daily (including Sundays).
    12. Alcoholic beverage service will end one-half hour prior to the end of an event. If an event is 90 minutes or less, this is not required.
    13. All alcoholic beverage service at a public event on or off campus must:
      1. Be sponsored by an academic college, department, unit, office, program, recognized UI affiliate, or registered student organization;
      2. Offer beer and wine service only;
      3. Be restricted to events where food and drink are a social amenity to the program. The amount required to be ordered will be established by University Catering; 
      4. Monitor and deposit sales to a University Catering account within University Housing & Dining;
      5. Monitor and control event entry as appropriate to event type;
      6. State-issued identification will be required for entry to establish proof of age. Consumption of beer or wine may be restricted to designated areas;
      7. Appropriately restrict alcoholic beverage service. Event tickets do not entitle the holder to unlimited service;
    14. Event hosts are required to pay all costs associated with event security to establish safeguards and to ensure alcoholic beverages are not sold to or obtained by individuals under the age of 21.
    15. Food must be ordered for all events and must be a reasonable amount, as determined by University Catering, for the planned event.
  2. Service requirements for academic buildings, colleges, and functions.
    1. Alcoholic beverage service is not allowed in general assignment classrooms as defined by the Office of the Registrar.
    2. Alcoholic beverage service in academic buildings will not be permitted in connection with events open to all students.
    3. Alcoholic beverage service may occur in locations designated for academic functions hosted by the dean or department chair. These must be nonstudent-focused events or development activities in partnership with the UI Center for Advancement. Locations must be designated by each collegiate dean. Events must:
      1. Receive approval from the dean of the academic college or designee, if not a designated automatically approved location per V-26.4a(9)(o) above. 
      2. Receive approval from the Vice President for Student Life or designee, if not a designated automatically approved location per V-26.4(A)(9)(o) above.
      3. Restrict all alcoholic beverages to the approved or designated location. The following must occur:
        1. Access control must be enforced, and selected entrances and exits must be monitored.
        2. A guest list of invited or RSVP’d guests must be maintained and guests must be verified upon event entry.
        3. Stanchions may be required to create an event perimeter if one does not exist.
        4. Hired ushers or event staff may be required. The sponsoring college, department, unit, office, or program is responsible for all costs related to safeguarding and staffing the event.
      4. Not be associated with a public lecture, program, or event open to all students. Events where students comprise more than 25 percent of attendees should not be held in academic building spaces. Preferred locations include:
        1. Hancher Auditorium;
        2. Iowa Memorial Union;
        3. Levitt Center for University Advancement.
      5. Be serviced by University Catering or an approved external licensed vendor if University Catering is not available to provide the service. University Catering holds right of first refusal privileges.
      6. Have a guest list.
      7. Provide nonalcoholic beverage options.
      8. Include food appropriate to the type and length of program. The amount required to be ordered will be established by University Catering.
      9. Allow only beer and wine service.
      10. Be a hosted bar or nonhosted bar.
      11. Be indoors or on an outdoor terrace, patio, pavilion, or porch, attached to or part of an academic building. Outdoor events in an area adjacent to an academic building will not be approved. These outdoor areas restricted from alcoholic beverage service include, but are not limited to:
        1. Outdoor tents on green spaces, campus lawns, or parking lots.
        2. Green spaces or campus lawns immediately near or adjacent to the building.
        3. UI parking lots immediately near or adjacent to the academic building.
  3. Service requirements for registered student organizations.
    1. Registered student organizations must follow all policies related to alcoholic beverage service as outlined in the Policies and Regulations Affecting Students.
    2. Consideration will be given to organization classification during the approval process for registered student organizations. These classifications are:
      1. Undergraduate: Student organizations whose membership is composed primarily of undergraduate students who are under the age of 21 are not allowed to sponsor events with alcoholic beverage service on or off campus. Student organizations whose membership is composed of primarily undergraduate students who are over the age of 21 may be eligible to request alcoholic beverage service as an amenity to a program held on campus. Off-campus service is not approved.
      2. Graduate and professional: Student organizations whose membership is composed of graduate or professional students over the age of 21 may request alcoholic beverage service as an amenity to a program held on or off campus if all the appropriate policies are adhered to.
      3. Greek-letter chapters: Student organizations affiliated with the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, or Multicultural Greek Council must abide by the events policy established by their respective student governance organization.
  4. Service requirements for Intercollegiate Athletics. Alcoholic beverage service at Intercollegiate Athletics facilities and events must comply with the processes in this policy and adhere to the following:
    1. A valid ID is required for every sale.
    2. Limit two drinks per transaction.
    3. No sales or service to anyone believed to be or who is visibly intoxicated.
    4. No sales immediately adjacent to the UI student sections.
    5. Guests who violate this policy may be ejected and risk arrest and loss of ticket privileges.
    6. Sales will start when the gates or doors open.
    7. Sales will end at publicized times established by Intercollegiate Athletics.
  5. Service requirements for University of Iowa Health Care. Alcoholic beverage service is not allowed on the UI Health Care campus, except in areas approved by the Dean of the Carver College of Medicine for functions in academic buildings. Any additional exception must comply with the processes in this policy and receive approval from the Vice President for Medical Affairs and the Vice President for Student Life.
  6. Prohibited locations. Alcoholic beverage service is not allowed in the following locations:
    1. Pentacrest;
    2.  Kautz Plaza;
    3. T. Anne Cleary Walkway;
    4. Gibson Square;
    5. Former Seashore Hall green space;
    6. Hancher green space; and
    7. North Library Plaza.