The Yale SOM Alcohol Policy

For additional guidance on planning events with alcohol, please refer to Yale's Alcohol and Other Drugs Harm Reduction Initiative

Purpose

SOM is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and responsible environment for all members of its community. This policy establishes requirements governing the service, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages at Yale SOM-sponsored events and within Yale SOM facilities. This policy applies regardless of event location when the event is sponsored, funded, organized, or administered by SOM. For the most detailed and current version of this policy, click here.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in event cancellation, loss of event privileges, denial of future alcohol service requests, financial non-reimbursement, and referral to appropriate Yale University administrative processes.

Scope

This policy applies to all SOM-sponsored events, including academic, administrative, employer, alumni, and student-sponsored activities where alcohol is served or consumed.

Exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the Dean of Students. Violations of any of the SOM alcohol policies and procedures may be referred to the Honor Committee for disciplinary action.

Events where alcohol is purchased with School funds must:

  • Be held at a location with a liquor license and certificate of insurance.
  • Not exceed bar service of a two-hour time period.
  • Not include drinking games of any kind. Examples of drinking games may include, but are not limited to flip cup, beer pong, kings, etc.
  • Not promote excessive or high-risk drinking, including drinking games or binge-drinking activities.
  • Include substantial food and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages must be provided whenever alcohol is served, and alcohol service may not begin until these items are available.
  • Have the total cost of food be greater than or equal to the total cost of alcohol.

Alcohol purchased with School funds must:

  • Include beer, hard seltzer, and wine only
    • Note: Red wine is not permitted for use in any space within Evans Hall
  • Not exceed $20 per person for two drinks.
  • Be served to individuals who are 21 years or older. Valid identification must be verified before service.
  • Be served by a non-SOM, Connecticut-licensed, TIPS-certified bartenders. Yale SOM may require additional TIPS-certified bartenders based on event size and attendance. Self-service alcohol stations are prohibited.
  • Be controlled by distribution methods, including tickets, wristbands, or equivalent systems, may be required. Under no circumstances may alcohol be distributed beyond the two-drink maximum. Hosts and bartenders are responsible for enforcing this limit.

Evans Hall Requirements

  • Approval from the SOM Events Team is required before alcohol service.
  • SOM may impose additional requirements based on event size and scope, including additional security personnel for events with 50 or more attendees.
  • Only Yale Catering or approved caterers may set up, serve, and remove food, alcohol, and beverages for events involving alcohol. Hosts using drop-off catering are responsible for cleanup and removal of leftovers and packaging.
  • Alcohol may not be removed from Evans Hall.
  • Red wine, dark berries, and dark berry beverages are prohibited.