January 10, 1977
CHANCELLORS
DIRECTOR BATZEL
DIRECTOR SESSLER
Delegation of Authority--University Approval of Liquor Licenses for Campus Facilities
Effective immediately, you are hereby delegated authority to submit directly to the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) statements on behalf of organizations applying for licenses to serve liquor on University-owned campus premises.
Pursuant to the requirements of the California Business and Professions Code, Section 23824,
" . . . a written request that the License be issued and a written statement setting forth the reasons why issuance of the license would be in the public interest"
are both required before issuance of any license for an organization operating on University premises. This includes both applications for the special one-day liquor license when required for social events on your campuses and for regular licensee for faculty clubs or bona fide eating facilities.
University policy states that "no individual, group, or campus acting in the name of The Regents or in the name of the University may apply for a license to engage in the sale of any alcoholic beverage, including beer." This prohibition is pursuant to the State constitution which prohibits any State agency, including the University, from being licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Therefore, any license to provide or sell alcoholic beverages on a campus must be issued in the name of an organization such as a faculty club, food service vendor, alumni group, or other independent entity.
I have asked the Vice President--Business and Finance to work out all necessary procedure with the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and to issue any additional instructions that may be necessary. The University policy statement, "Sale and Service of Alcoholic Beverages on or Near University Campuses," dated May 21, 1969, is in the process of revision to incorporate certain changes in applicable State laws. As soon as review has been completed, a revised policy will be issued. Until such time, questions concerning the approval of liquor licenses for campus facilities should be directed to General Counsel.
David S. Saxon
President