Board briefed on draft alcohol policy to allow limited concessions sales; vendor assumed liability

Kelly Douglas, the university’s general counsel, briefed the board on a draft revision to the campus alcohol policy that would permit alcohol at certain concessions during sporting events and delete earlier language about who would supply alcohol in stadium suites.

Douglas said the draft in the board book reflects those adjustments and that athletic and food-and-beverage staff are interested in moving the policy forward. She told governors the university would rely on contracted vendors to obtain permits, licensing and additional insurance and to carry primary liability; the vendor would name the university as an additional insured and staff would provide oversight. Dean Carter (athletics) noted the campus is switching concessions to Aramark, which would simplify implementation because Aramark already manages event service and compliance.

Douglas suggested the board could use a telephone board poll roughly 30 days after the meeting to consider approval rather than convening a special meeting. Board members asked about revenue projections, liability and whether best practices at peer institutions were being followed; Douglas and athletics staff said projections were not yet available and that procedures would follow standard industry practices and vendor protocols.

Next steps: board members were asked to review the draft policy in the board book and the administration proposed a board poll in roughly 30 days to consider approval if no substantial changes are requested.