Events with Alcohol

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz recognizes that serving alcohol at events may be allowed with proper approvals. Well-planned and managed events can decrease the risk of alcohol-related incidents.

Departments hosting events with alcohol have overall responsibility and accountability for properly managing their events in accordance with Colorado State liquor laws and university campus policies and procedures.

As of November 1, 2023, all Event With Alcohol requests must be submitted using the electronic Alcohol Authorization Form (see Step #7 below). The previous Events with Alcohol PDF form will no longer be accepted or processed after this date.

Prior to submitting an Alcohol Authorization Request, please take the following steps.

1. Review the following guidance on events with alcohol.
   • Events with Alcohol - Risk Management
   • Events with Alcohol Guidelines and Risk Assessment
   • Campus Administrative Policy #3050 - Alcohol Service

      

2. Reserve a location for event via EMS for on-campus events or with a licensed premise.

    

3. Decide on invitation method and draft a guest list.

    

4. Reserve a caterer or other food service if event location does not already provide this service.
   • Caterers must comply with  Standard Insurance Requirements.
   • Vendor must possess proper Liquor Liability Insurance and list the University as an Additional Insured.

      

5. Hire a TIPs certified bartender (licensed vendors typically employ TIPs certified servers).

    

6. Ensure allowable alcohol funding is available and sufficient to cover cost of event. The policies listed above detail allowable funding sources based on the type of event you plan to host.

    

7. Complete the online Alcohol Authorization Form and submit electronically.

• The Alcohol Authorization form MUST be completed anytime University funds are being used to pay for ANY portion of a Large Official Function (>10 people attending) that includes alcohol service.
• You will receive an automated notification that your request has been submitted successfully. Should you not receive that notification, please reach out to fs-compliance@ucdenver.edu.

In general, the approval process for an event with alcohol, on-campus or off-campus, follows the routing process detailed below:

Requests should be submitted at least 30 days prior to event date to allow the Department Approvers, Alcohol Advisory Committee, and Campus Leadership (when required) sufficient time to review.

Please direct any questions related to events with alcohol to Caroline Quane at fs-compliance@ucdenver.edu.