Alcohol Policy

Alcohol at Events

The Regents of the University of Minnesota have approved an alcohol license for the Kirby Student Center building, the Kirby Terrace, and the plaza between Kirby Student Center and Kirby Drive (“the licensed venue”). The license allows UMD Fresh Leaf Catering Services to serve alcohol at approved events in the licensed venue, rather than requiring customers to contract with a third-party vendor for alcohol service. Alcohol service in Kirby Student Center and its approved adjacent areas is subject to the following policies, terms, and conditions:

General Policies and Requirements

  • Alcohol service is subject to the requirements of the University of Minnesota Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service policy, Outdoor Service at Licensed Venues policy, and related Board of Regents policies and Administrative policies (as outlined in the Alcohol Beverage Sales and Service policy).
  • Kirby Student Center, UMD Fresh Leaf Catering Services, and all University of Minnesota Duluth personnel will comply with all state liquor laws and regulations as well as all applicable University policies.
  • Kirby Student Center, in coordination with UMD Fresh Leaf Catering Services, reserves the right to approve or deny alcohol service at any event within the licensed venue, or to place any conditions on the event in order to comply with applicable policies and laws.
  • Events where undergraduate students are the primary intended audience are not eligible for alcohol sales or service through the Kirby Student Center alcohol license.
  • Alcohol service is not permitted at any event sponsored/hosted by a student organization (sacramental wine for religious services require an Alcohol Permit).
  • No third-party vendor (anyone other than Kirby Student Center and UMD Dining Services) may serve alcohol in the licensed venue. This restriction prohibits UMD departments, faculty, and staff from serving alcohol within the licensed venue as well.
  • All alcohol served in the licensed venue must be purchased through the Kirby Student Center alcohol license. Donated alcohol, privately-purchased alcohol, or alcohol purchased from a retail store is prohibited. An exception to this portion of the policy may be made for sacramental wine, under certain conditions as outlined by University of Minnesota Office of Risk Management. For more information on this exception, please contact Lesa Radtke, KSC Associate Director for Events & Conferences, at 218-726-7166.

Event-Planning Requirements

  • The customer is financially responsible for a service fee on total bar sales, any additional setup, equipment, or staffing required for compliance with University policy and/or state law. The customer will be notified of these requirements as part of the event-planning process.
  • Alcohol service must be accompanied by food and beverage service from UMD Fresh Leaf Catering Services. UMD Fresh Leaf Catering Services is the exclusive food-service, beverage and catering provider for the licensed venue.
  • Food service must include some food throughout the duration of alcohol service and must include non-alcoholic beverage options.
  • Alcohol service must cease at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled end of the event. As part of the event-planning process, times for alcohol service will be clearly specified. The latest bar closing time will be 11:30pm, with the event ending time of Midnight.
  • Patrons may not leave the event/meeting space with an alcoholic drink or open container of alcoholic beverages. As part of the event-planning process, Kirby Student Center will work with customers to clearly define the physical boundaries of the event.

Alcohol Service

  • It is prohibited by law to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age or anyone who is visibly intoxicated. Sales and service of alcohol to persons who appear to be providing alcoholic beverages to minors or to intoxicated persons is prohibited.
  • All patrons should be prepared to show identification (proof of age) for alcohol sales or service, and we will request identification of all patrons who appear to be 30 years of age or younger.
  • Drinking games of any kind are prohibited.
  • The serving limit is two drinks per person per transaction.
  • All alcohol will be served in full view of the public, and mixed drinks will be made in full view of the public.
  • Servers, security personnel, and employees of the licensed venue must be able to observe the alcohol service area at all times.
  • Employees of UMD Fresh Leaf Catering Services and Kirby Student Center are prohibited from consuming alcohol during their work shifts.
  • In compliance with state law and University policy, all managers, servers, and others who engage in the sale and service of alcoholic beverages must be 18 years of age or older.
  • When alcohol is served at an event, a UMD Police officer may be required to staff the event. An hourly fee for this service will be assessed. This fee is billable to the guest. Please call 218.726.7166 to determine if your event meets the criteria for hiring a police officer.

Alcohol Service at Events Elsewhere at UMD

The Regents of the University of Minnesota have approved an alcohol license ONLY for the Kirby Student Center building, the Kirby Terrace, and the plaza between Kirby Student Center and Kirby Drive (“the licensed venue”).

If patrons wish to have alcohol service at events held in other areas and venues at UMD, such alcohol service:

  • is subject to approval through UMD’s alcohol permit process,
  • must be contracted through a University of Minnesota approved third-party alcohol vendor, and
  • is required to comply with all applicable University of Minnesota policies and all applicable state and federal laws.

For more information: 

Contact the Chancellor’s Office at 218.726.7106.

Address comments, questions or concerns about this policy to:

Lesa Radtke, KSC Associate Director / [email protected] / 218.726.7166

Revised 7/20/21