There shall be no drinking of alcoholic beverages and no open containers in public places on the College campus, except at College sponsored events.  A College sponsored event is one that uses College funds and/or that is on College property.  College houses rented by faculty and staff are exempt.  Alcoholic beverages may be served on an event by event basis under the following conditions.

1. A college faculty or staff member assumes responsibility for the event and agrees to be present for its duration.
2. The faculty or staff member responsible for the event obtains the appropriate liquor permits:

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  • Special Occasion License - required for any event where alcohol is to be sold except as noted below. Bon Appétit must be used to serve the alcohol.  Appropriate foods must be served by Bon Appétit. Allow 30 days for the application process.  Application is made at a State Liquor Store.
  • Banquet Permits - required for events with 50 or more people and where alcohol is served but not sold.  Tickets may be used to limit the number of drinks served each individual.  Application is made at a State Liquor Store.  Employees coordinating the function should complete the application as a representative of Whitman College. Food must be served.
  • Private Functions - no permits are required at private functions, which are individually hosted College social events of less than 50 guests.  Food must be served.  No one under the age of 21 may be served alcohol.

3. Faculty and staff may host private functions at their homes to which students are invited. The College strongly encourages such events to be alcohol free.  If alcohol is served, it is recommended that it be done so on a BYOB basis.  No one under 21 should be served. Faculty and staff present should be role models for responsible drinking.
4. Functions which are held at restaurants or other business establishments licensed to serve alcohol do not require special permits.
5. The use of alcoholic beverages will be in full compliance with the Washington State Law.

Student Handbook

1. There shall be no drinking of alcoholic beverages and no open containers of alcoholic beverages in public places on the college campus or public areas in campus buildings.  Exceptions may be made on an event-by-event basis under the following conditions:
   1. The use of alcoholic beverages will be in full compliance with the Washington State Law.
   2. The event is sponsored by a college-affiliated organization or an organization that has reserved the facility according to college procedures.
   3. A college faculty or staff member assumes responsibility for the event and agrees to be resent for its duration.
   4. The department, division, office, or administrator responsible for the facility being requested agrees to the terms of the use of alcoholic beverages and the facility.
2. No ASWC fees or residence hall fees may be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
3. Students and student groups must avoid the direct or indirect sale of alcoholic beverages.
4. Students will be held directly responsible for the destruction of personal or public property, the violation of the safety or rights of other persons, or the violation of any other campus regulations with may occur while they are under the influence of alcohol.  Excessive consumption and/or purchasing large quantities of alcoholic beverages are considered a violation of the alcohol policy.
5. Students should be familiar with the Washington State law that governs the use and purchase of alcohol.

Washington State Law

It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to acquire or have in his possession or consume any liquor except that given to him by his parents or guardian or administered by his physician or dentist for medical purposes.  It is a violation of the State Liquor Act punishable by a minimum fine of $250 or imprisonment, or both, for any person under the age of twenty-one to purchase alcoholic liquors or to enter or remain on the premises of any establishment licensed to sell liquors at retail.  The sale of alcoholic liquor to a minor is a felony and the giving or supplying of alcoholic liquor to any person under the age of twenty-one, either for his own use or for the use of any other person for consumption on the premises or anywhere else, is a misdemeanor.  The misrepresentation of age and the use of false or forged documents to obtain alcoholic beverages are punishable by a minimum fine of $2,500.