Look for whether "host liquor liability" is covered under your general liability insurance policy. Unlike Michelle B's experience with the PTAs in Nevada, the PTAs in Virginia do have that coverage, so it definitely varies by state. I've never seen any National or state (at least in Virginia) PTA regulations about it one way or the other.

I've been to an auction for the school district scholarshipfund and a 4-H where families were present. Obviously the 4-H was a "dry" event but the school district was not. It was held at a very nice hotel (the Westin I think) and they did only serve during the bidding, an hour or so. Personaly I feel disappointed when I see the adults that just have to have that glass of wine or drink. I have more fun with a pepsi! In my family it's an argument as old as time....

WE HAVE HAD A SILENT AUCTION FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND WE DID SERVE WINE AND BEER. THE EVENT WAS NOT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY BUT AT A PRIVATE INN.

IF YOU LOOK IN YOUR LOCAL PHONE BOOK, THEY SHOULD HAVE BARTENDING SERVICES. THEY ARE LEGALLY OBLIGATED TO CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THEIR BARTENDERS. THIS TAKES THE LIABILITY OFF OF YOUR GROUP. IN OUR STATE A BARTENDER HAS TO HAVE $1,000,000 OF LIABILITY INSURANCE.

THESE CAN BE FUN EVENTS THAT RAISE A LOT OF MONEY, WE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO ATTEND AND IT IS STRICTLY AN ADULT EVENT.

WE HAVE OTHER EVENING FAMILY EVENTS SUCH AS DANCES BUT THEY DON'T MAKE CLOSE TO FUNDS THAT AN ADULT EVENT DOES.

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN, THERE IS A SAFE WAY TO PULL IT OFF!

Hi KLH! Don't worry, you're not alone. We have requests all of the time for events in which alcohol is served. Usually they are something of the dinner/dance or auction variety. I would say as long as you cover your bases, this event would be perfectly acceptable (from an insurance standpoint). I don't know if you have insurance through NPN, but the General Liability policy does cover alcohol at your events. I would't suggest serving it to the kids in your bounce house at your carnival, but that's a whole nother story.
Chad Joyce, Client Relations Manager
AIM Insurance

The insurance that all of our PTAs in the state uses does not cover the liability of serving alcohol.
In addition, we have resolutions for lowering the blood alcohol content to .08 (which has happened since resolution was passed), resolutions to support funding and educational efforts to counteract alcohol advertising, and endorsing legislation for effective educational projects to prevent alcoholism, drunk driving and drug abuse, to increase knowledge about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through substance abuse programs. (Four seperate resolutions passed at previous state conventions)
Sure we are adults but it is a huge liability to take on the responsibilty of serving alcohol and being responsible for anything any of those people consuming alcohol at the function could do after leaving the building. Which you can be. Also, for us to provide the alcohol, it would be the same as teachers meeting in the lounge after school for a couple of cocktails. The school isn not the appropriate place for this.
However, we have had a bar available at conventions (during the meet and greet one year) but PTA did not provide the alcohol, benefit from it's sale by getting any profits, nor hold the liability of it's consumption.
If you are a public school, there may also be district rules that prohibit this.
I would check with your State office first to see if this is in conflict with any of your resolutions, check with your insurance company to see if this is something they will cover and check with your district to see if they prohibit this as well.

I don't see a problem with an adults night out, held at a seperate location but it's a slippery slope when you invite alcohol into your functions on school grounds and by putting PTA to the name, you put it to the name of the actions of all who attend. Being in Nevada, we see a lot of stupidity associated with alcohol and substance abuse. We've had riots downtown attributed to alcohol consumption and I don't think it's necessary to drink to have a good time. You have to ask yourself if it's really worth it.

We have a big auction/gala every spring and yes, we do have alcohol. It is not held at the school. I hate to say it but not many people would come if we didn't serve alcohol. It would be a totally different thing if it were held at the school. And, by the way, we a private, religious school.
Shelly