Policy 101.13 : Alcoholic Beverages Policy

        U N I V E R S I T Y   O F   S O U T H E R N   M A I N E


POLICY#:  101.13
SUBJECT:  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES POLICY
APPLIES TO:  ALL EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC
ISSUED BY:  OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
EFFECTIVE DATE:  04/01/87
REVIEW/REVISION DATE:  03/01/90



A.  Philosophy

    The University of Southern Maine is a unique community where
students, faculty, staff, and guests interact.  The work of this
community centers around its role as an educational institution.
One significant component of this community is the social
interaction of its citizens.  Social settings may vary in size
and purpose, and some may include the consumption of alcoholic
beverages.  At the same time, USM is a workplace and it is
expected that balance and sound judgment prevail in the use of
alcoholic beverages on campus.

B.  Basic Principles

    1.  Consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is allowed
only for persons 21 years of age or older.

    2.  Persons are expected to assume responsibility for their
own behavior while drinking and must understand that being under
the influence of alcohol in no way lessens their accountability
to the University community.

    3.  Whenever alcohol is served there will be a variety of
non-alcoholic beverages and food available in sufficient
quantities to last for the entire event.

C.  General

    The issue of serving and consumption of alcohol on public
property and in public places is a matter that calls for
judgment, discretion, and certain operating practices and
policies at the University of Southern Maine.

      The consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons of legal
age is permitted as follows:

    1.  Public sale at designated times in defined areas of the
     Portland and Gorham Campus.

    2.  Functions that include the legal serving of alcoholic
     beverages can only be scheduled in the Hastings Lounge, 1
     Payson Smith, Portland Campus Center, and the Gorham Dining
     Center.  (ARAMARK needs a one month notice in order to secure
     permit for 1 Payson Smith and Hastings Lounge.)

    In keeping with the philosophy and basic principles noted
above the following policies and procedures are in effect for
employees, students, and the general public.


  I.  Alcoholic Beverages Possession and Consumption Policy for
          Employees.

      Employees are expected not to consume alcoholic beverages
during working hours whether on or off University premises.

      Employees are not to keep alcoholic beverages on University
premises.

      The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is
not permitted in the following locations:

      1.  Private offices

      2.  Small conference (meeting rooms)

      3.  Classrooms

      4.  Buildings; houses other than Portland Campus Center,
          Gorham Dining Center, Hastings Lounge, and 1 Payson
          Smith

      5.  Any requests for exception to the locations listed in
          item 4, must be submitted in writing to the Provost.
          The University, as do other employers, has some
          responsibility for the actions of those served
          alcoholic beverages.  Recent litigation urges
          sensitivity to the potential responsibility of
          University personnel in any event where alcohol is
          consumed.


 II.  Alcoholic Beverages Possession and Consumption Policy for
          Students

      The acquisition, possession, transportation, and
consumption of alcoholic beverages including, but not limited to,
ale, beer, and wine are governed by various requirements of Maine
State Law.

All students should be aware of these laws, particularly the
following:

      1.  Anyone under 21 years of age who purchases or possesses
          any intoxicating liquor may be subject to a fine.

      2.  Anyone who knowingly aids a minor in procuring liquor
          may be punished by a fine or imprisonment, or both.

      In addition to the observation of Maine State Law with
exposure to the penalties provided by law, students must observe
the following University regulations:

      Alcoholic beverages may be possessed or consumed on the
Southern Maine campus only by persons 21 years of age or older
and only under the following circumstances:

      1.  Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in a
          public place.  This regulation applies to any and all
          USM functions open to the public, such as concerts,
          dances, athletic events, and the out-of-doors, unless
          previously designated a special event.

      2.  Permission may be granted by the Director of Student
          Activities/Campus Centers Programs for consumption of
          alcoholic beverages in specified areas.  Requests for
          such permission must be made in writing to the
          Coordinator well in advance of the event.

      3.  The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages
          by persons of legal age is permitted in residence halls
          other than public entranceways, corridors, and lounges.

      4.  Persons are expected to assume responsibility for their
          own behavior while drinking and must understand that
          being under the influence of alcohol in no way lessens
          their accountability to the University or community.

          Violations of alcoholic beverage regulations may be
handled under the Student Conduct Code.

III.  Alcoholic Beverages Possession and Consumption for General
          Public.

      The general public is expected to abide with University
policy regarding alcohol as stated in Section C. General.

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