Student Life Handbook: Policies and Procedures Alcohol
Westmont expects all students to uphold both California state laws and these college policies regarding alcoholic beverages. For the policies below, the Ocean View apartments complex is considered campus housing.
State Law
In the state of California, persons under the age of 21 shall not purchase, consume or possess alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is against California law to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age, or to misrepresent one‘s age for the purposes of purchasing or consuming alcohol. Fraudulent IDs will be taken and disposed of by the college.
Possession and Consumption
Westmont prohibits the presence or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus and at off-campus Westmont student-sponsored or related activities. Additionally, any student who is knowingly in the presence of alcohol on campus (regardless of who actually owns it or who brought it to campus) and/or remains in the company of others who are consuming alcohol are in violation of this policy.
Alcohol Containers
Westmont prohibits the presence of full or empty alcoholic beverage containers anywhere on campus, including vehicles. Students are responsible to ensure that no guest brings full or empty alcohol containers on campus.
Drinking in Moderation
Westmont expects students of legal drinking age who choose to drink alcoholic beverages to be moderate in their consumption. Any consumption of alcoholic beverages by any student that results in impairment or intoxication is a serious violation of community standards.
Off-Campus Hosting Responsibilities
It is a serious violation of both California law and college policy to directly or indirectly provide alcoholic beverages that are consumed by underage visitors. It is also a violation to collect money for admission to events where alcoholic beverages are either directly or indirectly provided. Any off-campus student who lives where a hosting violation of the alcohol policy occurs and is present at such time may also be in violation of this policy. Students who host events off-campus (either at their residence or other venues) and choose to provide alcohol or allow alcohol to be present at the event are responsible to ensure that no underage or excessive consumption of alcohol occurs at the event and must take reasonable steps to ensure this does not occur. At a minimum, hosts must:
- Accurately identify guests under the age of 21 (e.g. checking IDs) and clearly designate them in some way (e.g. marking hands, wristbands, etc.).
- Clearly communicate to guests under the age of 21 that they are not to consume alcohol at the event even though alcohol may be present (e.g. stated in invitations, visible signage at the event, verbal communication at the event).
- Place alcoholic beverages (including any beverages brought by guests) in one location and monitor that location in a way that would ensure guests under the age of 21 do not obtain alcohol or guests who are 21 are not served alcohol in excess. (Competitions involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages are discouraged as they can make it difficult to accurately monitor alcohol consumption).
- Provide an adequate supply of appealing non-alcoholic beverages and substantive snacks/food. These should be available to all guests and located in a prominent location.
One of the common reasons hosts lose control of an event is because unknown students arrive. Limiting the attendance to students who are known by the hosts can be accomplished by having a guest list.
Hosts should also ensure that students who have consumed alcohol have a ride with someone who has not consumed alcohol.
For more information regarding responsible hosting, students are encouraged to consult with a staff member in the Student Life Office.