Any event interested in serving alcohol on campus must abide by the University's policies on alcohol service. The options for serving alcohol are based on the type of bar that is being planned for the event - a hosted or no host bar. All events serving alcohol must have pre-approval from the University in order to serve alcohol. This page will explain the requirements for serving alcohol at an event, as well as the forms that are required to be completed.

Know This First

- When alcohol is served, food and non-alcoholic beverages must also be served.

- Your Dean, Director or Advisor must sign off in advance of your alcohol service.

- All student events are required to use a no-host bar if they are serving alcohol.

- No student activity fees may be used to purchase alcohol or related items. 

Hosted Bar (Open Bar)

  1. Ensure you have a licensed caterer or approved pourer for your event.
  2. Complete your UW Tacoma online alcohol forms.  Note: Forms are due a minimum of two weeks prior to your event date.
  3. You will receive approval to serve alcohol and be provided with an alcohol form for you and your Dean or Director (Advisor if a Registered Student Organization) to sign. 
  4. Once you have received approval to serve alcohol apply online for a banquet permit. Cost is $11/day per event.
  5. Submit a copy of your approved banquet permit and signed alcohol form to Joe Lawless in the Chancellor's Office at jlawless@uw.edu or Box 358430. Note: Forms are due a minimum of one week prior to your event date.   
  6. Post your banquet permit and approved alcohol forms in a visible location on the day of your event.

Events with 50 or fewer internal attendees can use an approved pourer. All events over 50 people or involving non-UW Tacoma guests require a licensed caterer for alcohol service.

No-Host Bars (Cash Bars)

Option 1 – Special Occasion License

(This option can only be used by non-profit organizations.)

  • Ensure you have a licensed caterer with ability to do alcohol sales.
  • Complete your UW Tacoma online alcohol forms.  Note: Forms are due a minimum of two weeks prior to your event date.
  • You will receive approval to serve alcohol and be provided with an alcohol form for you and your Dean or Director (Advisor if a Registered Student Organization) to sign. 
  • Once you have received approval to serve alcohol apply online for a Special Occasion License. Cost is $60. Special Occasion License application must be submitted a minimum of 45 days prior to your event date.
  • Submit a copy of your application for Special Occasion License and signed alcohol form to Joe Lawless in the Chancellor's Office at jlawless@uw.edu or Box 358430. Note: Forms are due a minimum of one week prior to your event date.  
  • Post your special occasion license and approved alcohol forms in a visible location on the day of your event.
  • Proceeds from alcohol sales must go to the non-profit organization.
  • If a Registered Student Organization (RSO) is planning on using a Special Occasion License their RSO is required to have their own 501(c)3.

Option 2 – Cash Bar

  • Ensure you have a licensed caterer with ability to do alcohol sales.
  • Complete your UW Tacoma online alcohol forms.  Note: Forms are due a minimum of two weeks prior to your event date.
  • Once you have received approval to serve alcohol submit a copy of your signed alcohol form to Joe Lawless in the Chancellor's Office at jlawless@uw.edu or Box 358430. Note: Forms are due a minimum of one week prior to your event date.  
  • Post your approved alcohol forms in a visible location on the day of your event.

Approved Pourer Application Form

This form is coming soon. For now, please contact Joe Lawless.

Approved Caterers

Please confirm with your caterer that they are approved to serve alcohol. For list of UW Tacoma Preferred Caterers who are approved for no-host bar service please visit our UW Tacoma Preferred Caterer list.

Did this answer your question? If not, contact jlawless@uw.edu.