Policy Statement

POLICY STATEMENT

1    Intent

To support the responsible and regulated consumption of alcohol at events held on University property.

2    Scope

All staff, students, residents and any of their guests or visitors, contractors, service providers or any other person/s who may be on University of Tasmania property. As well, to any staff, student, resident or third party events, functions or gatherings at which alcohol is to be consumed either on University property or, if not on University property, with which the University’s name is associated.

3    Objective(s)

The University recognises that alcohol consumption is an established part of life in Australia, and is undertaken by members of the University. The University encourages moderation and a responsible attitude towards the consumption of alcohol and will aim to create an environment free of inducement and social pressure to drink in excess.

The University’s specific objectives are to:

• ensure the responsible consumption of alcohol on University property;
• minimize alcohol related harm to individuals and property;
• ensure the provisions of the Liquor Licensing Act 1990 are followed;
• ensure that all functions obtain and operate under the required liquor licenses and permits;
• promote the reputation of the University in the community;
• promote awareness of personal safety and security in relation to alcohol consumption; and
• provide members of the University community with adequate information about alcohol and the consequences of its inappropriate use.
  

4    Definitions and Acronyms

5    Policy Maker

Executive Director, Finance and Administration .

6    Policy Provisions

1. Nothing in this policy is intended to take away any individual’s own responsibility with regard to the use of alcohol. The University encourages personal and social responsibility in the serving and consumption of alcohol. The University does not condone the use of alcohol in any manner, which is unsafe, illegal or fails to respect cultural differences and the rights of others.
2. The University is committed to ensuring that the consumption of alcohol on University property is in accordance with relevant Federal and State laws and any relevant University policies and regulations.
3. The University reserves the right to refuse permission for any Function involving the consumption of alcohol to proceed.
4. All Functions at which alcohol is sold, or a cover charge levied, must comply with the Liquor Licensing Act 1990 and require a permit authorised by the Tasmanian Commissioner for Licensing.
5. All Functions held on University property managed by AMS require a University Liquor Permit authorised by the Director, AMS. For those functions where alcohol is to be sold, or a cover charge levied, the University Liquor Permit is required in addition to the permit issued by the Tasmanian Commissioner for Licensing.
6. No Function at which alcohol is consumed can proceed unless all required approvals and permits are obtained.
7. Only the management of the University or affiliated organisations are permitted to negotiate the terms of sponsorships with alcohol manufacturers, suppliers or distributors.
8. Organisers of a Function to be held on University property (other than Licensed Premises) where alcohol will be served (either sold or provided at no cost):
   • are responsible for obtaining all required Tasmanian and University Liquor Permits from the Commissioner for Licensing and the Director, AMS respectively;
   • must have the approval of the responsible Manager or President of the involved Club or Society where appropriate, before lodging any applications for Liquor Permits;
   • will be deemed to be directly responsible for the planning and management of the function, including the responsibility for ensuring that proof of age is obtained prior to the serving or consumption of alcohol;
   • must ensure that Responsible Serving of Alcohol principles are adhered to during the function;
   • must ensure that consumption of alcohol is a social adjunct to, and not the purpose of, the function; and
   • must ensure that the function is fully inclusive and makes provision for people who are not of legal drinking age or do not drink alcohol for religious, cultural or other reasons.
9. Organisers of events not on University property but with which the University’s name may be associated (for example, University sponsored functions) are responsible for ensuring that the University’s name is not brought into disrepute. Any such event must comply with the objectives of this policy.
10. If the Function is to be held on property managed or operated by:
    - Accommodation Services; or
    - an organisation affiliated with the University, such as Jane Franklin Hall; the Tasmania University Union (TUU); or the Students Association, Incorporated (SA);
    the appropriate Manager in these organisations is responsible for granting approvals for Functions.
11. Events, functions or gatherings taking place in Licensed Premises on University property must conform to the Licenses from the Commissioner for Licensing and any University policies, procedures and leasing arrangements
12. Working Functions involving University staff, or staff and their guests, at which alcohol is served at no charge, such as working meetings may take place with the prior approval of the Manager of the organisation unit(s) involved. Managers are requested to keep a record of such approvals and to monitor such events that they authorise.
13. While the same policy objectives apply, the consumption of alcohol within University Residential Accommodation, Jane Franklin Hall or other affiliated residences must comply with their respective procedures.
14. The brewing or distilling of alcohol for human consumption is strictly prohibited on University property.
15. The University will provide annually to the governing officers of any licensed sporting club operating on University property details of the University’s policies and procedures on the safe consumption of alcohol and details of sponsorships it has entered into with any alcohol manufacturer, supplier or distributor.
16. The appropriate Manager must give prior approval for any alcohol to be transported on University vehicles or vessels and consumed on any field trip undertaken by staff and/or students for the purposes of teaching or research.
    

7   Supporting/Related Documents

• Liquor Licensing Act 1990
• University By-Laws Part II, Section 4
• OHS Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs in the Workplace Policy
  

8    Key Words

• alcohol consumption
• Liquor Licence
• Liquor Permit
• Responsible Serving of Alcohol

9    Supporting Procedures/ Guidelines

• Procedure for Safe Alcohol Consumption at Events on University Property
• Procedure for Safe Alcohol Consumption in University Residences
  

RESPONSIBILITIES

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW THIS POLICY?

• University Senior managers
• All organisers of Licensed Functions held at the University
  

EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS POLICY

• Number of incident-free functions (licensed and non-licensed involving the consumption of alcohol.

POLICY HISTORY