Permits

Some aspects of events will need special approval before the event can take place in either the Coffman Memorial Union or the St. Paul Student Center. More information about these permits can be found below. Each section includes contact information if you have questions. Event Services staff can also help answer general questions or point you in the right direction.

Food Permit

Expand all

When is a food permit needed?

  • Food permits are required for any group that is bringing food into the building for meetings or events.
  • More information about food permits can be found on the UMN Building Code food permits website.
  • The website also includes information on exclusions when a food permit is not required.
  • Please note, there are unique forms for pizza only events and potlucks.

How is a food permit obtained?

  • All food permits are obtained by the UMN Building Code Department.
  • Send the completed and approved food permit to Event Services at least 14 calendar days before your event.
  • Food must be approved by the University Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO) or designated person. The submitter will receive an email with the approval or steps toward approval from the EHO closer to the event.

What is the deadline to obtain a food permit?

All food permits must be submitted to the UMN Building Code Department at least 14 days before the event.

Film Permit

Expand all

When is a film permit needed?

Anyone wishing to show a film in the following venues must first obtain a public performance license agreement and then submit the film permit form.

  • Coffman Memorial Union theater
  • Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall
  • St. Paul Student Center theater
  • St. Paul Student Center North Star Ballroom

There are two steps to the film permit process. First is acquiring a public performance license to show the film. Second is submitting the film permit form, along with the public performance license, for review and approval.

How is a film permit obtained?

In compliance with Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United State Code) regarding Film and Video Piracy anyone wishing to show a film/game in one of our venues must obtain a performance license agreement.

To obtain a public performance license, you will need to contact one of the following licensing agencies: 

  • Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. - (800) 876-5577
  • Criterion Pictures - (800) 890-9494
  • Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) - (800) 462-8855 

If the film is not available through these licensing agencies, you will need to determine who holds the rights for a particular work.. The Internet Movie Database can be useful in this process.

  • For minor works, contacting the director or producer of the film may result in written permission for public viewing rights.

What is the deadline to obtain a film permit?

The public performance license agreement and the film permit form must be completed prior to your event and sent to Event Services.

For some films, it can take time to find and acquire the public performance license. Please plan ahead to ensure everything is ready well before your event.

Additional information

Please note that many public performance licenses can come with an additional cost. Take this into account if you are requesting funding for this event.

Alcohol Permit

Expand all

When is an alcohol use permit needed?

An alcohol use permit is needed for any event in CMU or SPSC where alcohol is being served.

This applies to university departments, registered student organizations, and campus life programs.

University Policy Library: Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service, and Venue Liquor Licensing

How is an alcohol use permit obtained?

What is the timeline to obtain an alcohol use permit?

The application must be submitted at least 15 days before the event.

Once the application has been approved, the finalized document should be sent to your event coordinator.