Fayetteville Policies and Procedures  402.3 

Alcohol Policy for Employees

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by University employees at locations owned or controlled by the University, or during work hours, is prohibited, with limited exceptions for official University functions (see Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 700.5, Alcohol Policy for University Special Events).  Employees may not consume alcohol during meal or rest breaks, or while on leave during the workday, if they are scheduled or expected to return to work that day. 

Consistent with Board of Trustees Policy 705.2, any possession or use of alcoholic beverages must comply with state and federal laws and university policies.  Public intoxication, driving under the influence, and misconduct while under the influence of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all times, regardless of whether an employee is currently on duty or located on University property. 

Consistent with UA Systemwide Policies and Procedures 470.1,  University employees must report to their supervisor, within 24 hours or at the earliest possible opportunity thereafter, any criminal arrests, criminal charges, or criminal convictions, excluding misdemeanor traffic offenses punishable only by fine.  This includes, but is not limited to, for alcohol-related offenses.  Failure to make such a report shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Any employee suspected of being under the influence of alcohol in the workplace or while performing job duties may be referred by the University for testing consistent with the University’s substance abuse testing policy, Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 402.2.  Employees referred for testing are required to fully and promptly cooperate.  In the event of refusal to cooperate, the employee will be disciplined for insubordination, which may include immediate termination of employment.

Further, service of alcohol by an employee to any person under 21 is strictly prohibited at all times and locations.

Some units may establish additional, job-related restrictions pertaining to alcohol use.

Violations of this policy are grounds for employee discipline up to and including termination, considering factors including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of the incident, employee duties, and reputational harm.

August 17, 2026