policy

Alcohol Policy

Introduction 

The Alcohol Policy exists to limit ICC Austin’s liability for the use and sale of alcohol, protect the safety of members, and to educate members about alcohol-related laws in Texas. ICC Austin members must follow this policy for all events and parties where alcohol is consumed.

Policy 

  1. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SHALL NOT BE SERVED OR PROVIDED TO MINORS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  It is illegal under Texas law for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, even in the privacy of their own room or living accommodation. Further, sale of alcohol to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both.
  2. No ICC Austin funds (central or house-community) may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, with the exception of alcohol used exclusively for cooking.  Violations shall be considered theft from ICC Austin; violators will owe to ICC Austin any monies concerned in addition to any other consequences for stealing from ICC Austin. 
  3. For parties and events where alcohol is sold (see definition below) or provided,  the following rules apply:
    • A temporary alcohol permit must be obtained from the TABC to sell alcohol. 
    • ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SHALL NOT BE SERVED OR PROVIDED TO MINORS AT ANY PARTY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. No person shall be served an alcoholic beverage without producing a valid Texas driver's license or identification card showing the person to be 21 years of age or older. See Tex. Alco. Bev. Code 106.03.
    • No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, or provided between the hours of 2am and 7am. Hours of service and consumption shall be strictly limited to 7am to 2am. All beverages should be collected at 2am, and no alcoholic beverages should be served after 2am. 
    • Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold, served, or provided to any person who is obviously intoxicated. See Tex. Alco. Bev. Code 2.02(b)(1).
    • No admission charges or cover charges may be required at any entry into an ICC Austin house.  Event flyers may not mention alcohol, except to note that functions are B.Y.O. (bring your own alcohol) and that alcohol will not be provided.  
    • The above rules for parties where any alcoholic beverage is sold apply to serving or providing (not just selling) alcohol when ICC Austin is acting under the authority of a TABC permit or license. In other words, when the ICC Austin has a permit for a party or other event because alcohol is being sold, the rules apply to any alcohol served or otherwise provided at that party, whether the particular drink is being paid for or not.
  4. ICC Austin does not condone or indemnify illegal sales or the consumption of alcohol or any illegal substance. 
  5. This policy shall not be construed to create any legal duty on the part of ICC Austin toward ICC Austin members or the public.

Definitions

  • Alcoholic Beverages means alcohol, or any beverage containing more than one-half of one percent alcohol by volume, which is capable of use for beverage purposes 
  • ICC Austin means University of Texas Inter-Cooperative Council, Inc. 
  • ICC Austin house means any property owned or leased by ICC Austin. 
  • Minor means a person who is under 21 years of age 
  • Public means persons who are not members of ICC Austin.
  • To sell alcoholic beverages means to receive any form of compensation in return for an alcoholic beverage, including but not limited to (1) exchanging money for an alcoholic beverage; (2) charging a cover share (fee for entry charged at the door) if alcoholic beverages are then served at no charge; (3) charging for tickets in advance of an event if alcoholic beverages are served at the event at no charge; (4) taking a tip for service of an alcoholic beverage, even if the alcoholic beverage is served at no charge 
  • TABC means Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.