Alcohol Policy

The use of alcoholic beverages on University property, at University events, and off-campus must be consistent with University policy and applicable law. In the case of Gonzaga in Florence and other branch campuses or programs, the use of alcoholic beverages must be consistent with the laws of the jurisdiction where University programs are located. All Washington state and Spokane City laws regarding alcohol are incorporated into this policy. 

1. Definitions

a. Guests: Gonzaga students, personal friends, family, 'friends of friends' or acquaintance, or a person who has explicit or assumed permission by a host to be in that space. 

b. Paraphernalia: Equipment, supplies, and other materials for use in alcohol consumption. This may include shot glasses, wine glasses, shakers, 'beer bongs', beer pong tables/cups/balls/dice, or other drinking game materials. This does not include articles of clothing or other branded merchandise that is not used or intended for use in facilitating alcohol consumption. 

2. Applicable Conduct: 

a. A person under 21 years of age acquiring, possessing or consuming any alcohol is prohibited. This includes empty alcohol containers.

b. A person under 21 years of age possessing alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited. 

c. A person under 21 years of age purchasing or attempt to purchase any alcohol is prohibited.

d. Selling, giving, or otherwise supply alcohol to any person under 21 years of age is prohibited.

e. Permitting a Guest under 21 years of age to consume alcohol on a premises under a host's control (e.g. residence) is prohibited. Residential students may be held accountable for the actions of their guests, whether the hosts are present or not at the time of the behavior and or possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages.

f. Misrepresentation of age or the use of false or forged documents (such as a driver’s license from any state) to obtain alcohol is prohibited.

g. Consuming alcoholic beverages when consumption leads to dangerous or disruptive behavior, over-intoxication, or public drunkenness is prohibited.

h. Playing drinking games or engaging in other behaviors that facilitate, promote, or replicate competitive excessive, accelerated, or abusive consumption of alcoholic beverages (e.g. "Beer bongs", pong table set-ups, "shotgunning", BORG) is prohibited. Equipment, supplies and paraphernalia for use in these games and other behaviors are also prohibited. 

i. A person 21 years of age or older consuming alcoholic beverages in an area (both interior and exterior) that is not an approved venue for alcohol consumption is prohibited. 

j. Possessing mass quantities of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to kegs, multiple cases of beer, and multiple bottles of hard liquor. Exceptions may apply for organizations that are facilitating an approved University event. 

3. The University reserves the right to confiscate, retain and dispose of/destroy any and all alcohol-related items regardless of value or ownership.

4. The following allows for approved alcohol consumption for persons 21 years of age and older: 

a. Residents of a residential room/suite/apartment when all assigned residents of the room/suite/apartment are at least 21 years of age and the room/suite/apartment is in a building/area designated for students 21+ years old by Housing and Residence Life. University regulations do not permit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in common areas (both interior and exterior). 

b. Only Recognized Student Organizations may seek authorization for events with alcoholic beverages present. Authorization may be granted by submitting an Event Request form on Zagtivities. Request for such events does not guarantee permission will be granted. For information about Recognized Student Organizations, please refer to the Center for Student Involvement.

c. Student organizations which violate University alcohol policies may be held accountable by processes outlined in Club Policies. In addition, individuals and groups involved may be held accountable through the Student Code of Conduct.

Last updated: 8/4/25