Trinity’s catering unit plans to spend €170,000 on wine for private events over the next two years. The wine is only for use at private events held on campus and does not include beverages for sale to students, such as in the Pavilion Bar.
College is currently seeking a tenderer to provide 2,940 bottles of house red and 2,930 bottles of house white wine. It is also looking to obtain more than 360 bottles of Prosecco, 444 bottles of Merlot and 624 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc.
A spokesperson for College told the Irish Times that the cost may rise or fall further as the expected €170,000 is calculated based on “current and future expected usage”.
The catering department caters mostly to external clients who are “availing of catering and banqueting services” provided in the dining hall or other venues available to hire across campus, such as the 1592 restaurant. Private clients are “invoiced directly” for the costs of wine.
In cases when College itself is a client of a function, such as conferences, dinners, and launches, the department involved in the event is billed for expenses like wine and alcohol.
College is looking for a tenderer that has recent experience in supplying wine to a third-level institution. The tenderer must also have an annual turnover of at least €340,000 and have fulfilled three contracts of a similar nature over the last three years.
Trinity Catering is responsible for staff and students restaurants on campus in addition to catering for events. It hosts banquets in the Dining Hall and serves Commons in the East Dining Hall. The Buttery and the Perch, two well-frequented food outlets on campus, are also managed by Trinity Catering.
The College Health Centre recommends that alcohol should be consumed in moderation. It advises spacing out alcoholic drinks with other beverages like water or a soft drink, and eating food before or with your drink.
