I prefer the responsibility method. That is -- students are held responsible for their own behavior. If given the rule that they must have covered drinks and must clean up food messes, then learners should be held accountable to that and the classroom facilitator should be given the authority to hold them accountable should they not comply. Likewise, if the facilitator doesn't want to deal with food and drink issues, the facilitator should have the option of completely barring food and drink from the classroom, again with the authority to ensure that people comply.

These are adults, correct?

Ah! Much clearer now.

I see 2 options....

a. Prohibit drinks/snacks in the classroom.
b. If possible, set aside a corner of the classroom away from the equipment (with distinct boundaries)where drinks and snacks are permitted.

Additionally, I think you will have to address the "who's responsible for cleaning" issue. But your issues are much clearer now.

Thanks.
Jay Truitt

In the classrooms we use we stress lids/covers on drinks... the keyboards are on trays under the table/desk...

Most usually go to the caffeteria to eat..

I see nothing wrong with establishing some guidelines. We allow drinks, as long as they are in a spill proof container. Soda cans and paper coffee cups are not allowed. Food is allowed, as long as the department using the space cleans up after themselves.

Jack,
We had this issue come up several years ago when we created "computer labs". Our practices for those training rooms is different than our typical classroom setting. For our computer room, we ask that people have only water in the room. We provide coffee and other beverages outside the room. This has worked well so far, it's been about 4 years. We have had some small groups disregard the practice, but it is a limited number. We have had no problems with this practice as of yet.