Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MUSC’s Student Policy for Alcoholic Beverage Serving

1) Why do we have to have our events where alcohol will be served approved?

First, MUSC is concerned for the welfare of party guests and MUSC student hosts/hostesses.  Serving alcohol is risky business. Having events approved assures that student party planners are aware of the risk and educated in related laws and responsible hosting techniques and plan to sponsor their party accordingly.  If there is a negative outcome from a party that has been approved and the responsible hosting practices were complied with, student planners/organizations will normally be protected by the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, and may be provided with a legal defense.

2) Since we are adults and have a University-wide Honor Code, why can’t we “self-regulate” our parties?

Again, serving alcohol is very risky business.  Each individual will have a different personal opinion regarding reasonable and responsible alcohol service and party planning.  If everyone would “self-blame” then we could “self-regulate”!

3) Do we have to have events approved at licensed locations e.g. Salty Mike’s, and why?

Sponsoring an event at a licensed location will probably alleviate the hosting organization from the responsibility of verifying guests’ ages and intoxication level.  However, since the party is sponsored by an MUSC organization, MUSC could still be named in any suit as a result of a negative outcome.  Along with legal/financial consequences, as a healthcare institution we are concerned with the safety of event guests and sponsoring any event in a responsible manner.  Along with plans for helping guests get home safely, adequate food and alternative beverages should always be made available.

4) What if a party is going to be held in a students’ home and it will be an “informal” gathering e.g. following a test?

Please review the Policy for instances when events MUST be approved.  Having an event approved and following responsible hosting guidelines is always worth the small amount of effort!

5)  What if the planned event is denied approval?

There are 2 choices.  Event arrangements could be changed/made to meet standards for event approval and the event would be approved accordingly.  Or, the event could be held without MUSC’s approval and the student event planners and student organization would be solely responsible for any negative outcome(s).

6) Do event planners have to put into practice all recommendations/techniques described in the Responsible Hosting Guide i.e. hiring bartenders and Public Safety Officers?

No, BUT the individual approving the event will want to make sure that you have planned to cover all the bases for serving alcohol safely!

7) When and why do we need to get a temporary license to serve alcohol?

It’s the law that when money is charged for alcohol, a license for the event location must be obtained and displayed.  If alcohol is included in the price of admission, a license must be obtained.  Only a location can be licensed!  It is a point of confusion, but even if a bartending service or caterer is used, a license must either be held by the facility where the event will be held or obtained by the sponsor for that location.  Student Programs can help sponsors with the process of obtaining a temporary license.  This process needs a lead time of 4 weeks and is described on page 2 of the “Responsible Hosting Guidelines and Strategies.”