Alcohol Policy Explanation

justhey76 · #1 12-15-2002, 07:08 PM

Ok, I am the new social chair for my chapter, and I will tell you that in the past, our socials have (so I have heard, since I am new) kind of been busts in the past. We have a lot of problems to overcome, and most have to do wth the alcohol policy (PLEASE READ ON, WE DONT WANT TO THROW A BIG DRUNKEN PARTY). My main problem is with our formal and semiformal. There is a part in the AOII alcohol policy that says no party shall keep an AOII overnight, nor is a member allowed to rent a room after a function, formal, or party. We have serious problems with this bc we are in Tahlequah, OK. It is not a big town, at all, I dont even think there is a decent hotel in the whole town, if any hotel or motel at all. We dont have any ballrooms, and really NOWHERE to hold a function, especally a big one like formal. Anywhere we can go is over 20 miles away (therefore we have to get liscenced commercial transportation anyways), and it is just too far to drive back after an event like this. Is there ANY possible way that I am reading the alcohol policy wrong and somehow we can rent rooms or something after a function? Please, help me!!!!!

AOIIBrandi · #2 12-15-2002, 09:23 PM

You can't rent rooms, but you can charter buses to and from the formal. We did that at my chapter. That way you don't have to worry about personal transportation to and from.

AOII_Luv · #3 12-16-2002, 06:24 PM

When the event is over 20 miles away from the house, we have to rent buses. We have had two formals in Indianapolis and took buses both times. It really isn't that bad...it is fun to get to know everyone that is riding your bus!

But seriously, I think that not being able to rent rooms is a good thing. Our chapter advisor (who, by the way, won Chapter Advisor of the year at IU!) stressed to us how much of a safety issue it is. It's not that HQ and everyone doesn't want us to have a good time, but I get the feeling that they are trying to prevent assaults or anything else that can harm us. All in all, the buses are the way to go!

SnowLady · #4 12-17-2002, 08:39 PM

How far away for a place to have formal? When I was at Kappa Pi we were in the same situation as you. There was only the University Ballroom and that was it! It was 18 miles from our house front door to the nearest hotel in Lima, Ohio. I believe that is when the 20 mile rule came into play.

Our network personnel are easy to work with. They of course are not going to let you stay the night or break other policies, but if you have a realistic SAFE plan, contact your CA and CNS and see what you can work out. I'm certainly not saying that something will happen, but I am saying - give it a shot.

Honestly, renting a bus isn't that big of an issue. Have fun with it! We played games on the bus on the way down. We add took Soda Pop (can't take alcoholic beverages on the bus) and we played, "I never..." we sang songs and generally had a good time. Make the best of your situation.

And then my last piece of advice for you is that for next year's budget, budget in the cost of transportation into your office. That way no one is hit up for another $10 or $20 to pay for the bus. If a bus is reality, then work with it. The more you complain about and not offer solutions, the more hastle it will seem to you.

GOOD LUCK. Let me know what your CA and CNS say.

Heidi

justhey76 · #5 01-04-2003, 02:48 PM

Ok, now I have another question. I was looking at the socials forum and there was lots of talk of open or closed bar at formals. I have been seriously studying all of our rules and guidelines, and it seems to me that we CAN have alcohol there, AS LONG AS AN APPROVED, LISCENSED, THIRD PARTY VENDOR IS THERE TO SERVE/SELL it. Is that what yall get out of it, or am I mistaken?

SnowLady · #6 01-04-2003, 05:49 PM

A licenced third party vendor is a bar/tavern/resturant/hotel that holds liability insurance and is licenced by the state/province to sell alcoholic beverages.

Does that fit the place you'd like to hold your event?

I hope that NeonPi (Shala) responds to this because she'll have all the goods on it.

Again, my advice for you would be to give your ideas to your adviser and your CNS and let them give you their feedback. Not only do they know your university rules, they know your chapter and quite possibily the town you live in and the "materials" you have to work with. If you're planning something in several months - get their approval NOW so that your work isn't wasted. And if they don't approve what you're doing, I bet that they'll give you some ideas on how to work with what you've got.

Heidi

NeonPi · #7 01-23-2003, 07:31 PM

Most universities have banquet facilities on campus that would have a license. What about church halls? People are getting married there - where are they having the receptions?

Also, it is not necessary to have a formal with alcohol - if anything, if you have a dry formal (and yes, it's been done many times), then you don't need to worry about Sober sisters and the like. Just FYI - the Alcohol POlicy was primarily written by collegiate women like yourself (yes, really!). Not allowing the rental of hotel rooms makes sure that folks are at YOUR event, not the one upsatirs

Finally, do speak with your CNS about viable options around your town, and then the next closest location. She will be able to speak to the Network Director and the Executive Board liaiosn to see what options may work for both your chapter, but yet comply with the policies!

Good luck!!

Shala

Roses19 · #8 02-28-2003, 07:02 PM

what is the rest of that quote? She's a rose, she's a pearl, she's an AOTT girl....

It sounds cute

Thanks for your help!