There are typically three TAMU Student Rules that are most misunderstood: Open Events, Co-Sponsorship, and BYOB operations (sections A, C, & E). As such, we have developed a checklist (see the links below) for your event planning team to use when organizing an event where alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present. We also realize that many of you probably have lots of questions when it comes to risk management at social events, particularly those that include alcohol. As such, we have attempted to provide some clarification and understanding as to why the rules are in place.
TAMU Student Rules (pdf)
Open Events (pdf)
Co-Sponsorship (pdf)
BYOB (pdf)
COMMON ALCOHOL QUESTIONS AND/OR MISUNDERSTANDINGS
Why can't we have open events where alcohol is present?
The first point to consider is "would you invite all of Bryan/College Station to a party at your apartment?" Chances are that you probably would not. The same decision making process should true for events hosted by your organization.
For some unexplainable reason, the choices that people make when they are drinking are not usually the same as the choices that they make when they are sober. As a result, fights, sexual assaults, car accidents, property damage, etc. are more likely to occur when guests have been drinking. As a party host it is much easier for you to talk to a friend who has been drinking and try to calm that individual down, than it is for you to talk to a stranger. Further, you, as a student leader and an organization, are responsible for the people who are at your event. If you invite people to your event, you want to invite people who have a vested interest in helping to preserve your organization.
What is the benefit to having a guest list?
1. You have an accurate count of the number of people planning to attend your event.
2. You can plan your event based off the number of people planning on attending your event.
3. It makes the event a "closed event."
4. If something unfortunate (fight, sexual assault, accident) were to happen at your event, you have record of who was in attendance. This can be helpful for a number of reasons such as:
- If those involved in the incident were an A&M student, it may be possible to assist them (in the case of an injury) or hold them responsible as an individual for their behavior; and/or
- Records would be of assistance to an investigating agency regarding responsibility and accountability.
Are sign-in lists a good idea?
A sign-in list is not a true guest list. An individual can sign-in under anyone's name. It also appears that the event is open to the general public.
Can the location let anyone into our event?
No. If the location is letting regular customers into your event, it becomes an open event. If you cannot afford the cost to rent the facility for the exclusive use by your members and guests, see if the venue will allow you to rent out a portion of the facility (i.e. a special party room or wing). Some venues (restaurants or clubs) will rent out their porch, back room, etc. for a reduced cost.
How do we enforce a guest list?
Hiring a security officer is the best way to monitor a guest list. It is challenging for members to turn away friends, alumni, etc. that are not on the pre-determined guest list. Use a hand stamp to designate party guests and wristband for those guests that are of legal drinking age.
Why can't we advertise alcohol or co-sponsor an event with a alcohol distributor or tavern/bar?
By advertising alcohol at your event, or co-sponsoring it with an alcohol distributor/tavern it may be perceived that your organization is encouraging people to consume alcohol (specifically students). While the values and goals of Texas A&M student organizations vary from one to another, as a University and as student organizations affiliated with Texas A&M alcohol consumption (especially consumption by under aged individuals) is not condoned as one of those values. Texas A&M University is an educational institution dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, the promotion of academic achievement and the advancement of knowledge. Because of the university's interest in the intellectual, physical and psychological well-being of the campus community, it is important that the university and recognized student organizations take steps to curtail the abusive or illegal use of alcoholic beverages.
