Catering and Alcohol Policy @HSPH

To: Faculty, Staff & Students

From: Paul Riccardi, Dean for Administration and Operations
Re: Catering and Alcohol Policy @HSPH
Date: October 28, 2005

Harvard School of Public Health has a contractual agreement with Harvard Dining/Sebastian's that designates them as the exclusive caterers for all in-house functions. Sebastian's has the right of first refusal, and so must be contacted, for any event that is catered at the School of Public Health.

The serving of alcoholic beverages follows the same as above stated guideline. Harvard School of Public Health holds a beer and wine license, which we apply for each year through the City of Boston. For any event where beer and wine is offered, Sebastian's catering must be engaged as they are the exclusive providers of all alcoholic beverages. School policy dictates that all alcohol must be served by a Sebastian's bartender (no self-service or cash bars allowed). It is also the policy of the school when offering alcoholic beverages that a non-alcoholic beverage is offered, as well as a food selection.

A frequent comment concerning the use of Sebastian's relates to its somewhat higher cost than certain outside vendors. I would like to remind you of the vigorous discussion at Harvard a few years ago on the living wage and the fair treatment of the employees of our contracted service providers. The result of this was a decision to provide comparable benefits -- health care, vacation time, retirement, etc. -- to these employees as we do to our regular employees. This decision puts Sebastian's at a competitive disadvantage but it is one which we collectively endorsed and must accept the obvious consequences.

Your cooperation in following the above policy is greatly appreciated.