Most Students Do PartySafe @ Cal Alcohol and Party Risk Management Shifting the College Drinking Culture Alcohol Laws and Enforcement Education and Counseling Home Page College Drinking: Consumption and Harm

Alcohol Laws

Social Host Ordinance - Holds host liable for allowing underage drinking at party. No less than $250 for first violation; increased for subsequent violations.

Second Response Ordinance - Fines and number of liable days have increased if a noise complaint is made and corroborated by police: 1st - warning; 2nd in 120 days (can be the same night) - $750 fine; 3rd - $1500.

Other common violations - Fake or "not your own" ID, Minor in possession of alcohol, Open container in public, Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Manage Party Risks

Set clear start and end time; Talk with neighbors before; Ensure hosts are sober and easy to locate; Serve food and non-alcoholic drinks; Designate and train alcohol servers - No "self-serve"; Keep noise level down and inside residence; Avoid overcrowding; Pace drinking - keep it low risk; Stick to limit & look out for each other; Play social not drinking games; Plan transportation for the night; Clean Up.

Get Real

Most of us overestimate how much other students drink, including our close friends. In fact...

  • 63% of us drink once a month or less, or not at all
  • 82% of us drink four or fewer drinks when we do drink
  • 84% don't drink enough to pass out
  • and 80% don't get behind in schoolwork due to drinking

Alcohol Poisoning or other Emergency

If any signs evident, call for emergency help immediately. Do not hesitate due to surrounding circumstances if someone's life is at risk. Signs: unconscious, cannot be awakened; cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin; slow or irregular breathing; excessive vomiting. Call 510-981-5911 (from a cell phone) and 911 from a land-line.

PartySafe@Cal is a program of University Health Services in collaboration with other campus and community organizations.
The mission is to reduce harm associated with drinking in the campus area.
To volunteer or for more information call 510-642-7202 or email hp@uhs.berkeley.edu.