Event Policies
| All servers and Event Hosts may not consume alcohol during the event. |
| It is the responsibility of the Event Host(s) to ensure that guests who are intoxicated are not allowed to enter the event and are provided with medical attention. |
| For student organizations, MIT students may not distribute alcohol – only a third-party bartending service may handle and distribute alcohol. Third-party bartenders are required to check IDs. |
| Proof of age must be checked at all entrances to an event. Guests must wear a wristband or other non-duplicable proof of legal drinking age and the student organization is responsible for purchasing the wristbands. Proof of age should be checked again by the bartender when alcohol is served. Event hosts are required to make sure that attendees wear wristbands confirming their age at all times during the event. |
| If admission is charged at the door, alcohol, if provided, must be dispensed from a cash bar. Massachusetts General laws prohibit free drinks at licensed events. |
| Alcohol must be attended at all times. Guests must never be able to help themselves to drinks. |
| A bartender may not serve more than two drinks to one person at any one time. Pitchers may not be served. Alcohol may not be served from quantity dispensing sources (e.g. kegs, punch bowls, water coolers, etc.) |
| Alcohol may not be served to any individual who is under 21 years of age. Violation of this section may result in a fine of $1,000, 6 months of imprisonment, or both (M.G.L. c138 s34). |
| Non-alcoholic beverages and food must be available. |
| “Last Call” must be made at least one half hour prior to the event closing time. |
| Advertising of events involving alcohol must focus on the event, not the alcohol. Phrases such as “Beverages Available” and “Positive ID required” are acceptable, while phrases such as “Wine & Cheese Party” and “Beer Bash” are not. Advertising may not offer free alcohol, provide details on the type or brand of alcohol to be served, or include phrases such as “All you can drink.” |
| Student organizations may not use Institute funds, including "house taxes" or student activities fees to purchase alcohol, though such funds may be used to hire third-party bartenders. |
| Student organizations that wish to use academic or departmental funds for purchasing of alcohol, must register their program as a “Departmental Event”, not a “Student Org Event” in their Atlas Event Registration Form. The departmental cost object must be entered in the police detail field. |
| Per state law and MIT Policy, alcohol donations are not allowed – and no donated funds can be used to cover the cost of alcohol purchases. If a sponsor wishes to directly cover the costs of alcohol, please contact the Assistant Director of Financial Operations for Student Organizations in the SOLE Office to discuss whether this could be allowed. |
| If a One-Day Alcohol License from the City of Cambridge is required for the event, the license must be posted in a location visible to all event participants at the event. |
| Institute Alcohol Policies |
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| MIT’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policies |
| MIT’s Help-Seeking (Good Samaritan) Amnesty Policy |
Event Registration Process & Licensing
| 1. Event Host must have an Event Space Reservation confirmed at least 30 business days prior to the event date. |
| 2. Event Host must register the event via the Atlas Event Registration System at least 10 business days prior to the event date. Event Host must also complete the Alcohol Proposal Form and upload it to the Alcohol section of their Atlas Event Registration Form. |
| 3. Event Host must submit an application for a One-Day Alcohol License from the City of Cambridge at least 10 business days prior to the event date. |
| Alcohol License Requirements |
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| A City of Cambridge One-Day Beer/Wine License is required for all events where a cash bar is present (event those catered by MIT catering) or where there is an admission charge at the door (if alcohol is available). The license must be posted in a location visible to all event participants at the event. |
| All Event Hosts must be 21 years of age with a valid form of identification. |
| All Event Hosts must remain present and may not consume alcohol at any time immediately before or during the event. |
| Event Host must confirm the third-party bartending service's ABC license. |
| Alcohol License Costs |
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| A One-Day Beer/Wine License for 100 Persons or Fewer costs $55. |
| A One-Day Beer/Wine License for Over 100 Persons costs $75. |
| Event Criteria for Alcohol License Exceptions |
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| The event involving alcohol is on private property (indoor or outdoor); AND |
| The event involving alcohol is closed to the public (it cannot be advertised on social media); AND |
| The event involving alcohol does not request a cover charge/entry fee. |
Associate Director, Student Organizations & Programming
ghsoares@mit.edu
Assistant Director, Student Organizations & Programming
sofia993@mit.edu
E: sole@mit.edu
P: 617-253-6777
Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement
77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02139
