Food & Beverage Service Policy
The Food & Beverage Policy has been updated and approved after undergoing the University review process beginning in May 2025. Please review the policy: Food & Beverage Policy
Alcohol Service Policy
Scope
Campuswide, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Policy Statement
The service and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the UNO campus are permitted only in accordance with the University of Nebraska Board of Regents Policy RP-2.1.5 and the Nebraska Liquor Control Act, and must follow the procedures outlined in this policy.
Reason for Policy
This policy establishes consistent procedures for the responsible service of alcohol at campus events. It ensures compliance with applicable state laws and University of Nebraska Board of Regents policies, mitigates legal and reputational risk, promotes the safety and well-being of event attendees, and upholds standards for professional conduct in a public university setting.
Procedures
All alcohol service must be pre-approved by the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance or their designee. Approval requires the completion of both of the following steps at least three weeks before the event date with no exceptions.
If alcohol service is planned for an event, there are two mandatory steps that must be completed to receive approval for alcohol service on campus. These two steps may be completed concurrently1 however, both must be finalized more than three (3) weeks before the event date. There are no exceptions to this deadline.
Step 1: Coordinate with the Approved On-Campus Catering provider.
All alcohol service must be managed by the appropriate on-campus licensed provider in compliance with university policies and state regulations. The designated catering provider is responsible for obtaining a one-day liquor license from the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Under state law, the liquor license application must be submitted to the Commission at least three weeks prior to the event. This is a firm, state-mandated deadline and cannot be waived.
Step 2: Submit the University Alcohol Service Request Form.
In addition to coordinating with the on-campus catering provider, the event organizer must complete and submit the University’s Alcohol Service Request Form. This form provides critical event details, identifies responsible parties, and outlines compliance measures. It must also be submitted no later than three weeks before the event to allow sufficient time for university review and approval.
Please note: Approval of alcohol service is not automatic. All requests are subject to review by the appropriate University officials, and failure to complete both steps by the required deadline will result in the denial of alcohol service at the event.
Additional guidance for events with alcohol service:
- Allowable hours of service are from 5:00 p.m. to midnight from Sunday to Friday, and 3 P.M. to midnight on Saturdays. No beverages will be dispensed after 11:30 P.M. and no consumption allowed after midnight.
- Alcoholic beverages may only be served in association with a food service (a food service is defined as either a meal or hors d’oeuvres). A minimum food service must accompany alcoholic beverage service.
- Alcoholic beverages will be available only at events for which there are invited guests.
- All alcoholic beverages will be purchased and served by the University's contracted vendor partner, UNO Dining Services provided by Sodexo or authorized designee. Determination of the services provided will be decided by the sponsoring group and the General Manager of Dining Services or designee. All details, such as type of beverage served, hours of service, etcetera must be finalized with UNO Dining Services more than 21 days in advance and will not be changed after the deadline. Events held in buildings other than the Milo Bail Student Center require a special designated license which will require more than 21 days notice to obtain proper alcohol service license from the State of Nebraska.
- It is the responsibility of the sponsoring group to comply with these procedures, which are based on Regent policy, including the determination of legal age of anyone requesting liquor service. Alcoholic beverages may not be served to anyone under 21 years of age.
- The General Manager of UNO Dining Services may assign people to check identification.
- Exceptions to the above procedures must be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance or their designee.
- University cost centers can not be used as payment for alcohol services.
This process does not apply to events held at the Thompson Alumni Center, Scott Conference Center, or Baxter Arena. Please contact these facilities directly to follow their specific policies and procedures.
Forms
Application for Serving Alcohol
Related Information
University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents Policy, RP-2.1.5, Standards of Conduct for Employees and Students Regarding Alcohol and Drugs
History
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Alcohol Policy is currently in place.