Student Handbook 2022-2023

Alcohol and Legal Requirements

Alcohol and Legal Requirements

The use of alcoholic beverages at Keuka College is, at all times, subject to the State Liquor Authority Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and to certain provisions of New York State Penal Law.

Prohibited Sales (ABC Article 5, Section 65, Revised Penal Law)

No person shall sell, deliver or give away any alcoholic beverages to:

1.   Persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years.

2.   Any intoxicated person or any person who appears to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage;

3.   Any habitual drunkard known to be such to the person authorized to dispense alcoholic beverages.

Individuals violating this law are subject to arrest under New York state law and/or action by the College judicial system.

Other Violations of the Law and Keuka College Policy

A person under the age of 21 who presents false written evidence for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase any alcoholic beverage is subject to arrest or summons under New York state law and/or action by the College judicial system. Several New York state statutes applicable to alcohol purchase, use and liabilities for misuse are set out in full in Appendix B.

Definition of the Term “Sale”

For all events at which beer and wine are sold, the New York State Liquor Authority requires an appropriate permit (Article 7, Section 97). The following conditions constitute a sale of alcohol:

• If admission is charged or a ticket is sold to the event.

• If donations are collected or someone “passes the hat” during the event.

• If anything of value is exchanged for the alcoholic beverage, i.e., in barter or trade.

• If beer or wine is given away but food is sold.

Procedure for Securing a (Temporary Beer/Wine) Permit

1.   Persons signing the application must be 21 years of age or older, since they assume legal responsibility for the use of the alcoholic beverages at the event. The application also requires the signature of the student activities director (or student affairs designee).

2.   The letter and application are taken or mailed to the ABC Board, 125 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14203; telephone, (716) 847-3027; open from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. This application must be received five working days before the event.

3.   The permit costs $35 which must be paid in the form of certified check, bank draft, or postal money order (not cash or personal check) made payable to the “State Liquor Authority.” This permit is good for 24 hours.

4.   Sale of alcoholic beverages may not be made in Yates County on Sunday between 1-8 a.m.

5.   The place where the beer or wine is sold is subject to all ABC rules and regulations and to inspection by the ABC and/or police officials. No other alcoholic beverages may be on the premises. The permit must be posted in plain view during the licensed event.

6.   Beverages must be purchased wholesale.

Sponsor Responsibilities for Student Activities Where Alcohol is Served

1.   Organizations recognized by the Keuka College Student Association and/or those groups that receive funds appropriated by the College may sponsor an activity at which alcohol is consumed within permitted buildings on the campus.

2.   The sponsoring organization must obtain an alcohol permit and approval from the director of student activities at least five class days prior to the event. Students and the advisor must make an appointment and meet with the director of student activities prior to the five-day deadline to review the application and the alcohol policy. Failure to comply with this requirement results in a denial of the application.

3.   Organizations conducting a student activity where alcohol is served must sponsor an educational program within the 10 days prior to the event. The program must educate students who may attend the event on safe drinking practices. The sponsoring organization will arrange for a staff or faculty advisor and a minimum of two of the organization’s officers to be in attendance at the educational program. Failure to comply with this requirement results in denial of the application.

4.   The organization sponsoring an event is responsible for being aware of Keuka College regulations and is responsible for ensuring the enforcement of these policies at the event.

5.   The advisor to the organization must ensure that the sponsored event is run properly and that all policies and procedures are adhered to.

6.   Students are allowed admittance to such events; however, alcoholic beverages must be contained within specifically controlled locations of the facility where only those of legal age and older may have access.

7.   Signs will be posted informing people that any person under 21 years of age is not allowed to drink or to be served alcoholic beverages, and that it is also illegal for anyone 21 years of age or older to give alcohol to those who are under 21 years of age.

8.   The number in attendance at an event should not exceed what is reasonable for the location where the event is to occur. All exits are to be kept clear of people, furniture, and obstructions to allow for normal entry and exit. Failure to do so results in the event being terminated by a College official and/or College security personnel.

9.   All entrances are to be staffed by a paid bouncer, approved by the student activities director, to check identification and proof of age. This person is to be employed for the duration of the approved event. Payment for this service must come from appropriated College funds.

10. A person who is under the legal drinking age of 21 years shall not enter any campus facility or event with the intent to acquire, possess, or consume any alcoholic beverages.

11. The sponsoring organization must employ the services of a paid bartender or bartenders approved by the student activities director. Bartenders are to be employed for the duration of the approved event. Payment for this service must come from appropriated College funds.

12. Funds appropriated by the College may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

13. Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available at authorized events whenever alcoholic beverages are served. Such refreshments should be served and featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages. The director of student activities assists the sponsoring organization in determining the appropriate amount and proportion of these beverages. The chart in Appendix A serves as a guideline.

14. The appropriate number of College campus safety officers required for approved events where alcohol is to be consumed is determined by the Office of Student Activities. Payment for such services is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization.

15. The maximum time allotted for any event where alcoholic beverages are served is four hours.

16. No alcohol may be served after 1 a.m. in Yates County. The last call for approved Keuka College events is 12:30 a.m.

17. Where a facility or designated area, including bathrooms, lobby, etc., is damaged during an approved activity, the sponsoring organization is required to collect repair costs from its general membership or from the specific individual responsible.

18. Individuals are expected to accept full responsibility for the actions of their guests. They must require their guests to comply with College rules and practices and to conduct themselves in an ethical manner.

19. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or open containers of alcohol at any campus event is limited to designated and controlled locations approved by the Office of Student Affairs.

20. Punch bowls may be used with approval from the director of student activities if appropriate supervision or bartending services are obtained.

21. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited while attending inter-collegiate or intramural athletic events on College property.

22. All advertising of approved activities in public areas of the campus should be consistent with the goals of the institution. Alcohol should not be the primary focus of any event. Flyers must state closing time of the event and that proper I.D. is required at the door. No reference to beer, wine, or alcohol of any kind is permitted on the advertisement by the use of graphics or copy. Advertising may not portray drinking as a solution to personal or academic problems of individuals or as necessary to social, sexual, or academic success. Promotion of alcohol should not encourage any form of alcohol abuse nor should it place emphasis on quantity and frequency of use

Inducements such as “Beer Blast,” “All You Can Drink,” and/or “Tipsy Tuesday Party” are prohibited. Inappropriate signs or posters are removed. See the director of student activities for suggestions concerning publicity. Until a party is approved, no publicity may be posted; this includes off-campus posting as well.