(Note: OLPM sections on this page may be cited following the format of, for example, "UNH.III.K.1.1". These policies may be amended at any time, do not constitute an employment contract, and are provided here only for ease of reference and without any warranty of accuracy. See OLPM Main Menu for details.)
1. Responsibility
1.1 The Dean of Students and Director of Community Standards are responsible for monitoring and updating this policy as needed.
2. Guidelines
2.1 The University is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that fosters mutually beneficial interpersonal relations and a shared responsibility for the welfare and safety of others. Because alcohol can have a significant effect on that environment, the University has adopted this policy for governing alcohol use by students, staff, faculty, visitors, and guests. The focus of University alcohol policy is to comply with local ordinances, state laws and federal laws that protect the health and welfare of individuals and the community. The possession, consumption, and transportation of alcohol by persons under the age of twenty-one is illegal in New Hampshire. While University policy permits responsible consumption of alcohol at some places and times, the consumption of alcohol should never be the primary purpose or focus of an event. Alcohol-free social events are encouraged.
2.2 All students are prohibited from engaging in any of the alcohol-related behaviors described in the Prohibited Conduct section of the Code of Conduct within the Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities handbook.
2.3 Whenever alcoholic beverages are to be served at a University event, the acquisition, distribution, possession, or consumption of alcohol by members of the UNH community must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.
2.4 Non-alcoholic beverages must be provided at events where alcoholic beverages are served.
2.5 UNH has an interest in off-premises events held in its name. If alcohol is used illegally or inappropriately at such events, the University may take steps to protect its interests.
2.6 Any request for variation from this policy must be submitted to the appropriate approver.
2.7 Additional provisions regarding student use of alcohol may be found in the Alcohol policy within the Student Policies and Regulations section of the Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities handbook.
3. Service of Alcoholic Beverages at University Events
3.1 A request for approval to serve alcoholic beverages form must be submitted to the appropriate approver for each campus. The word "approver" throughout this policy refers to the following individuals/offices:
- Durham: Conferences and Catering
- Law: Dean of Franklin Pierce School of Law
- Manchester: Assistant Dean for Students at CPS Manchester
3.2 Approval must be granted for each function being planned where alcohol, beer or wine will be served. This request must be submitted 30 days prior to the event. All bar service at Durham must be provided by Conferences and Catering, as holder of the Liquor License. For events at the Concord and Manchester campuses, all bar service must be provided as under applicable state law restrictions. If requests are received with less than 30 days notice, the approver has the right to deny approval and service may not be granted.
3.3 It is UNH’s general policy that alcohol is not served at undergraduate student events. However, UNH may authorize an exception to this general policy. Exceptions are more likely to be considered if the event attendees are expected to be of the legal drinking age, the event specifically focuses on seniors (e.g. award ceremonies for graduating students), and the sponsor of the event is a UNH department, rather than an undergraduate student organization.
3.4 The acquisition, distribution, possession, or consumption of alcohol by members of the UNH community must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. Non-alcoholic beverages must be provided at events where alcoholic beverages are served.
3.5 Institutional policies on alcohol use on UNH property vary by location, and, in some cases, by time.
- University residence halls and apartment complexes. UNH events with alcohol will not be approved in the residence halls or apartment complexes.
- Durham Dining halls. During periods when dining halls are not open to students and are assigned to workshops or conferences, alcohol may be served and consumed.
- Field House. UNH events with alcohol will not be approved in the field house.
- Whittemore Center Arena, Wildcat Stadium, Hamel Recreation Center, Memorial Union, and President’s Residence. UNH events with alcohol may be approved in certain spaces within these locations. Additional review/approval from the facilities manager of the building may be required.
- Academic, administrative, and classroom buildings (any UNH building not included in the previous categories). UNH events with alcohol may be approved in certain spaces within these locations.
- Outdoor Spaces. UNH events with alcohol may be approved in certain outdoor spaces.
3.6 Requests to serve alcohol at an event must also be approved by the dean or vice president of the sponsoring department, or, in the case of a student organization, the Director of the MUB and Student Activities, Assistant Dean for Students at Franklin Pierce School of Law, or Assistant Dean for Students at the College of Professional Studies.
3.7 If a request to serve alcohol at a UNH event is approved, the approver will send the event sponsor information on the required next steps. If those next steps aren’t followed, the arrangement to serve alcohol may be canceled.
4. This policy is effective as of July 1, 2025.
