Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Parties with Alcohol

1. What kind of parties do I have to register?
   Any party with alcohol that your organization is hosting / co-hosting / sponsoring / cosponsoring or advertising with your organization’s name on it must be registered.
   
   
2. Do all registered parties have to be large, open events?
   NO, any size party – large, medium, and small (like a date party or a party for seniors only) – that your organization is hosting is subject to the registration policy. If any alcohol will be provided, you must register the party, regardless of the number of guests anticipated.
   
   
3. Is there a list of preferred bars/clubs/restaurants that I have to choose from when holding an event at a third-party vendor?
   There are no restrictions on the type of bar/club/restaurant you book to host your event in. Some third-party vendors are easier to work with and give better deals, but there is no “preferred list”. As a service to you, OFSA and Julie Lyzinski are willing to review any contract you have been given to sign to make sure there are no high risk issues present. This is not an official legal review, but an opportunity to identify potentially unsafe issues. This is especially recommended in the case of bar minimums and bar guarantees.
   
   
4. Is there a list of bars/clubs/restaurants that have already provided copies of their liquor license and insurance certificate?
   Yes, Julie Lyzinski keeps an updated list of the liquor licenses and insurance certificates on file. Please check with her before requesting these documents from the third-party vendor. It will save you time and effort.
   
   
5. Where can I get wristbands?
   Julie Lyzinski will provide you with wristbands free of charge. For on-campus parties, wristbands will be given to the door security by the Alcohol Monitors when the party begins. For third party vendor events, wristbands will be given (if needed) when all paperwork has been submitted.
   
   
6. For a party on campus (at a chapter house or other facility) do we have to hire University Approved Bartenders and security?
   University-Approved Bartenders are strongly recommended, but not required. The list of Approved Bartenders can be obtained from Julie Lyzinski . If your organization chooses not to hire University-Approved Bartenders, independent bartenders can be hired. However, these bartenders cannot be affiliated with the host organization in any way, must be 21 or older, and must have some bartending training (bartending license, TIPS certification, extensive experience in a bar/restaurant). Proof of experience must be provided to Julie Lyzinski when the registration form is submitted. It is also highly recommended that the number of bartenders be adequate for the number of guests expected. For example, one bartender is not adequate for a party of over 200 guests. Outside security is also strongly recommended, but not required. Again, the number of security hired should be appropriate for the anticipated size of the party. New organization members should not be asked to act as security for any size party.
   
   
7. What kind of alcohol, and how much of it, can be provided at a party?
   Beer and wine can be served at registered events. Because most Penn students consume 0-4 drinks when they go out, we strongly recommend you make available no more than 4 alcoholic beverages per of-age guest. In addition, you must supply ample amounts of appetizing (non-salty) food and non-alcoholic beverages (preferably water).
   
   
8. Do we have to serve beer in cans only?
   No kegs are allowed at registered events, but there are no restrictions on whether you serve bottles or cans of beer. We strongly recommend you serve any drinks from cans simply because bottles often break and cause a danger to both bartenders and guests.
   
   
9. How many sober hosts do we need?
   In spring 2005, the Alcohol Policy was revised. Organizations must provide 1 sober host for every 30 guests.
   
   
10. What is a 'competency plan' and how do I create one?
    A 'competency plan' is an organization's unique commitment to reducing high risk drinking when alcohol is present at an event. For an example of a 'competency plan' and guidelines for developing your own, click HERE. Each organization must hand in a 'competency plan' with the registration forms for the first event of the year.