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Alcohol Sales and Service

Alcohol may be sold or served at events if appropriate procedures are followed. The campus Alcohol Sales & Service Procedure applies to all events held on University properties (owned or leased), and events held off premises when directed, managed or supervised by the University. This procedure also applies to all private events sponsored by non-campus groups held on University properties (owned or leased).

Alcohol policy and procedures for students, student governments, and registered student organizations are separate from this procedure and are described in Chapter X of the UC Merced Student Handbook.

Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in individual residences on University premises is controlled by the Housing and Residence Life Handbook.

Off campus events held in private facilities or residences which are primarily social in nature and hosted by University faculty, administration or staff and which are not paid for with University funds are not considered to be a University sponsored event.

A. Alcohol Service/Sales for Event Sponsored by UC Merced

When planning to serve alcohol at an event sponsored by UC Merced, the following steps must be completed for approval:

  1. Complete the Permit to Serve Alcoholic Beverages form (see instructions)
    • Submit Permit to the appropriate Vice Chancellor fifteen days prior to the event.
    • Get UCM Police signature on the Permit
  2. Complete a purchase requisition for the estimated costs for alcohol (If alcohol is donated, skip this step)
    • Alcohol can be purchased from a vendor on the pre-approved caterers list, Costco, or any retail business licensed to sell alcohol.
      • Contact Procurement ext. 4669 for information on how to have a vendor added to the list.
  3. Alcohol must be served by trained servers supervised by Lakeside Catering or a vendor on the pre-approved caterers list.

When planning to sell alcohol at an event sponsored by UC Merced, the following steps must be completed for approval:

  1. Follow step 1 above.
  2. Whether the alcohol is donated or purchased (using a purchase requisition), it can only be sold at the event by a vendor from the pre-approved caterers list who has or can get a liquor license or one-day permit to sell alcohol from the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).
  3. Alcohol must be served by trained servers supervised by Lakeside Catering or the selected vendor in step two above.

B. Alcohol Service/Sales for Event Sponsored by UC Merced Foundation

When planning to serve alcohol at an event sponsored by UC Merced Foundation, the following steps must be completed for approval:

  1. Complete the Permit to Serve Alcoholic Beverages form
    • Submit Permit to Vice Chancellor Development & Alumni Relations fifteen days prior to the event.
    • Get UCM Police signature on the Permit
  2. Complete a purchase requisition for the estimated costs for alcohol (If alcohol is donated, skip this step)
    • Alcohol can be purchased from a vendor on the pre-approved caterers list, Costco, or any retail business licensed to sell alcohol.
      • Contact Procurement for information on how to have a vendor added to the list.
  3. Alcohol must be served by trained servers supervised by Lakeside Catering or a vendor on the pre-approved caterers list.

When planning to sell alcohol at an event sponsored by UC Merced Foundation, the following steps must be completed for approval:

  1. Follow step 1 above.
  2. Whether the alcohol is donated or purchased (using a purchase requisition), it can be sold at the event only as follows:
    • By a vendor from the pre-approved caterers list who has or can get a liquor license or one-day permit to sell alcohol from the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).

    OR

    • By UCM Foundation after obtaining a one-day permit to sell alcohol from the ABC.
  3. Alcohol must be served by trained servers supervised by Lakeside Catering or the selected vendor.

C. Alcohol Service/Sales for Event Sponsored by Student Clubs

When planning to serve or sell alcohol at an event sponsored by a Student Club, contact the Office of Student Life for assistance.

See Also:

Alcohol on Campus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For additional information contact:

  • Questions about this procedure, the alcohol permit, alcohol risk or insurance: Risk Services, 209-386-3079
  • Questions about security: Department of Public Safety, 209-228-8273
  • Questions about approved caterers: Procurement Services, 209-228-4070