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Guidelines for alcohol service in a Perelman Quadrangle facility
(Houston Hall, Irvine Auditorium, Logan Hall, College Hall, etc.)

Caterers
Caterers are not permitted to purchase alcohol for event hosts.  The financial transaction for alcohol must be specifically between the event host and the approved PA state licensee (Wine and Spirits stores, Springfield Beer Distributor, etc.).  A caterer may serve alcohol, but may not sell alcohol.  An invoice from a caterer should not be all-inclusive of food and alcoholic beverages.

Sale of Alcohol
Alcohol cannot be sold at any event within Perelman Quadrangle facilities.  This includes ticket sales for the event, cash bar, selling cups, or suggesting donations.  There are no exceptions to this state law. 

Service of Alcohol

  1. In order to be served alcohol, participants must present appropriate identification (Driver’s License, Passport, state-issued ID).  A Penn ID card is not a sufficient form of identification to acquire alcohol because it does not include a birthdate.
  2. For events that include underage participants, efforts must be made to appropriately identify of-age guests, who may acquire alcohol.  Do not wristband or hand-stamp underage guests.  Use these methods to identify of-age people only.
  3. Abundant food and non-alcoholic beverages must be served during the event. 
  4. The amount of alcohol provided should not exceed one standard serving of alcohol per hour. One serving of alcohol is 12oz. of beer, 4-5oz. of wine, or 1.5oz of 80 proof liquor.
  5. An appropriately trained bartender should be in control of the service of alcohol. Participants should not be allowed to pour or control their own alcohol (i.e., self-pour bottles of wine on tables).  If you prefer, a University-Approved Bartender can be used for on-campus events.  Go to the following URL for a list of bartenders: here.
  6. Kegs are not allowed in Houston Hall.
  7. Remaining alcohol must be disposed of properly.
  8. Sober hosts should be use to identify and manage any issues of concern.
  9. Event hosts should be aware of risks associated with consumption of alcohol.  Hosts should monitor the consumption of alcohol by guests and should take appropriate action if any guest displays signs of intoxication.  Campus police should be contacted immediately if any guest appears to need medical attention: 215.573.3333 or 511 from a campus phone.
Office of Alcohol & Other Drug Program Initiatives | Vice Provost for University Life | University of Pennsylvania
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