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.