Refreshments at Conferences

It's not unusual for ethics officers to be asked questions about fiscal law restrictions on the use of appropriated funds for various purposes, including the purchase of  refreshments for conference attendees. Managers accustomed to private sector practices sometimes don't understand that government rules are more restrictive. Fortunately, there has been some liberalization of the rules in recent years, as demonstrated by this 2005 GAO opinion, and cases cited in a related 2007 DOJ OLC opinion.

Edited April 19 to improve clarity.