V.3 SERVING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
A. In keeping with the policy of the Episcopal Church, the Church of the Transfiguration permits the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages at Church- related social functions, so long as such serving and use is done responsibly. The Church also respects and supports those who abstain from the use of alcohol. The following guidelines apply whenever alcohol is served at a Church function, whether on parish premises or at a member’s residence in conjunction with a parish organization’s social function.
1. Service of alcohol shall comply with all state and federal laws, local ordinances, canons and Diocesan customaries
2. No alcohol may be served to persons under the age of 21 or at minor – oriented functions
3. Only beer and wine is allowed to be served, as there is express diocesan prohibition against serving hard liquors
4. The Rector or his designee must approve the serving of alcoholic beverages at functions on parish premises. To request permission for serving of alcohol, the parish organization will use the facilities request form, and designate which events will have alcohol served. The Rector or his designee will then specifically approve those events by signature.
5. For Church- related functions offsite or at an individual’s home, the host or hosting organization is responsible for assuring compliance with these policies
6. If a group is conducting any business of the Church, no alcohol may be served during the meeting.
7. For functions on Church premises but which are not sponsored by a Parish organization (e.g. wedding receptions), a TABC approved server should be used.
8. Contractual arrangements with caterers and other third party vendors should specify that such entity has control over the service and use of alcohol, and contain appropriate indemnification for the Church.

B In furtherance of this policy, the following are best practices which the Church requires at any Church-related function: •
1.Non- alcoholic beverages should be made available and be of equal attractiveness and availability •
2. Beverages should be labeled as to alcoholic or non-alcoholic •
3. Food should be served at such functions in proportion to the number of guests ( alcohol consumption should not be the primary function ) •
4. Service of alcohol should cease a reasonable time before the end of the function typically 30-60 mins •
5. The sponsoring group or ministry should be responsible for alternative transportation if necessary ( e.g. Uber, Lyft, taxi or another’s car) •
6. Anyone who is observed to be inebriated, or shows impaired judgment or motor skills, should not be served further.