ST JOHN S COLLEGE WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

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1 Contact Officer The Warden, St John s College Date Approved by College Council 20 June 2017 Date of Last Amendment N/A Date for Next Review 1 January 2018 ST JOHN S COLLEGE WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY Mission St John s College, within The University of Queensland ( the College ), is committed to providing a community and workplace which strives for the highest standards or safety, equity, inclusiveness, and justice. The College is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards in this respect, so far as is reasonably practical, and as required by law. The College recognises its obligation to its resident students, associate students, other residents, employees, members of Council, alumni, associates, contractors, visitors, and the wider community with which the College engages. In particular, the College strives to be a generous environment where young adults can grow and mature to reach their full potential. It strives to create a communal environment for living and learning which aligns with community standards and which prepares its students for careers and other forms of participation in society which engage with and uphold those standards. The responsible consumption of alcohol, smoking practices, and abstention from illegal drugs are informed by society s values, and are reflected in the College s community. Promulgation The College will publish this policy to its students at their admission, and will provide reminders from time to time during students residence, including promptly after revisions of this policy by College Council. The College will publish this policy to its staff at their appointment, and will provide reminders from time to time each year, including promptly after revisions of this policy by College Council. The College will publish this policy to all other relevant parties through posting on the College s website. Overview The College recognises that the vast majority of its students are of an age where they can legally obtain and consume alcohol. The College aims to be a place where young adults aged 18 or older can learn to drink alcohol responsibly in acceptable social settings. It is to be recognised that inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs can lead to conduct which is unsafe for the individual concerned or others around them; or anti-social; or, in cases of certain inappropriate excess, St John s College Page 1 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

2 potentially criminal. The policy on the use of alcohol and drugs contemplates maturity in the appropriate use of alcohol and drugs, and abstinence from excessive or illegal use. Purpose This policy specifically addresses what constitutes appropriate use of alcohol and drugs by students. Commitment The College aims to: ensure that all College policies, procedures, official documentation and publications accord with equal opportunity and occupational health and safety principles and are amended as necessary to accord with these principles; support and assist the Warden, members of the College Senior Leadership, and College tutors to exercise their leadership and authority to ensure a supportive, flexible, safe and diverse work, living and study environment; establish and maintain clear internal processes to deal with complaints concerning matters covered by this policy; provide advice and support to students and staff in relation to complaints on matters covered by this policy; align this policy as closely as possible to the relevant policies of The University of Queensland while making sure that the particular needs and structures of the College as a primarily residential community are taken into account. Scope Students, employees, and guests of the College are bound by this policy. This policy applies: within the College, even if an alleged incident occurs outside normal working hours; at student social, cultural, or sporting events which can reasonably be deemed to be connected with students association with the College, and whether such events take place within the College or not; and on social media or any other virtual interface where employees and students interact with colleagues or students and their actions may affect them either directly or indirectly: this case covers conveying of messages, whether explicit or implicit, about the use of alcohol and drugs which is contrary to this policy. College Officers The following College officers and representatives have roles in this policy: the Chair of the College Council; the Warden; St John s College Page 2 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

3 the College Senior Leadership, comprising the Warden, the Vice Warden, the Senior Tutor, the Dean, and the Business Manager; and the Health and Safety Officer(s). The College can be liable for the conduct of its employees and agents. The Warden and other College officers (including administrative and support staff, and College tutors) have a responsibility to: monitor the working and living environment to seek to ensure that acceptable standards of conduct are maintained at all times; promote this policy within the College community; support the right of all students or staff to have their complaint lodged, listened to and respected; take appropriate action if they observe or are informed about conduct that may breach this policy, by reiterating this policy and that any conduct in breach of this policy is unacceptable, may result in disciplinary action being taken, and must immediately cease and not recur. The Warden is responsible for the implementation of this policy, and must be kept informed about all relevant issues. Regulations Regulations relating to this policy are listed in Appendix 1. Relevant Legislation Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) Liquor Act 1992 (Qld) Criminal Code 1899 (Qld) 1.1. OVERVIEW The College recognises that the vast majority of its students are of an age where they can legally obtain and consume alcohol. The College aims to be a place where young adults aged 18 or older can learn to drink alcohol responsibly in acceptable social settings. It is to be recognised that inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs can lead to conduct which is unsafe for the individual concerned or others around them; or anti-social; or, in cases of certain inappropriate excess, potentially criminal. The policy on the use of alcohol and drugs contemplates maturity in the appropriate use of alcohol and drugs, and abstinence from excessive or illegal use. Society sets standards and norms around the production, procurement, and consumption of alcohol. The College aims to reflect normal society standards in this policy, in particular around the use of shared spaces in College, in relation to the consumption of alcohol, so as to ensure all residents may have quiet enjoyment of College living to the greatest extent reasonably possible. Alcohol like some drugs and gambling can be an addictive substance. Frequent drinking can lead to addiction, even if one professes confidence that they are immune to or beyond being addicted. St John s College Page 3 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

4 Addiction to alcohol (or drugs or gambling) can lead to poor health and illness (including brain damage), diminished work and academic performance (including drop-out from university), hindrance or failure in one s career, irretrievable breakdown in personal relationships, poverty, and homelessness. Drinking alcohol to excess even if not in a state of addiction and the use of illegal drugs or the use of legal drugs beyond prescribed use can seriously impact on brain development, especially for young adults of the typical age of College residents. Such use can also lead to excessive conduct which is potentially in breach of the law: this can have severe consequences for future career choices, for instance, for law students who may fail to be eligible for admission to the legal fraternity on the account of a conviction. Moreover, such use of drugs or alcohol can lead to injury or death, such as while driving under the influence, or not having sufficient self-control when walking near busy traffic thoroughfares. Inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs can lead to conduct which is disorderly. Apart from the danger which such conduct present to the individual and those around them, they also potentially can bring the College into disrepute, especially if the individual can be associated with the College, such as through wearing College merchandise, being at a College event, or in some other means of association, either explicit or implicit. Disorderly conduct which can potentially bring the College into disrepute is not acceptable, whether or not there is a direct reputational consequence of the conduct POLICY Responsible Consumption of Alcohol The inappropriate or irresponsible use of alcohol is completely unacceptable, on the grounds that it has the strong potential to lead to, or to entail: illegal or unlawful acts; physical violence or coercion which demeans the dignity of another; harassment, including sexual harassment, as defined by law; sexual misconduct or assault; damage to College property or the personal property of others; disturbing the privacy and peace of others with undue noise; having possession of, or being under the influence of, illegal drugs; and being unduly intoxicated General Principles Concerning the Consumption of Alcohol i. The College permits responsible consumption of alcohol for residents of at least 18 years of age. ii. Residents who are under 18 are not permitted to consume alcohol at the College, at any College event on or off campus, or to be in the College precinct while under the influence of alcohol. iii. The College opposes excessive consumption and binge drinking, recognising that it is a breach of the principles and regulations of the College Handbook, a facilitator of poor and St John s College Page 4 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

5 iv. destructive behaviour, and a cause of disrespect for other members of the College community, the University, and the wider community. The College is a home for all residents and should not be treated as a drinking place or hotel. All residents should be able to sleep and study without being disturbed by other residents consuming alcohol in groups, and without being confronted by the mess and smell often associated with gatherings for consumption of alcohol. Residents must be mindful that, in the strict sense of rental, their private space in College is their residential room, and not any communal space, such as common rooms, kitchenettes, corridors, gardens, and so on. All communal spaces beyond residential rooms are shared spaces for all residents in College, and are subject to College regulations for the same Use of Drugs Apart from drugs which are lawfully prescribed or obtained, and which are lawful to use, the manufacture, distribution, or use of unlawful drugs is completely unacceptable. The misuse of prescription drugs is also completely unacceptable Smoking and the Use of Tobacco Products (including Electronic Cigarettes) St John s College is a smoke free environment. Smoking is only permitted within the designated space near the rear entrance to College from Sir William MacGregor Drive, and also just inside the College boundary near the ground-floor exit from the Morgan Centre. The College does not condone smoking immediately outside its boundary, as this is property of The University of Queensland, which is a smoke-free environment Advice from The University of Queensland The College acknowledges and abides by the following advice from The University of Queensland, as per its Alcohol, Tobacco Smoking, and Other Drug Use Policy. Residential colleges are encouraged to cooperatively develop, implement and monitor guidelines, consistent with Queensland Laws and University policy, for alcohol, tobacco smoking and other drug use addressing: Minimising harm to individuals, property and the reputation of the residential colleges caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; Limiting noise vandalism; Verbal, written, physical and sexual harassment; intoxication and irresponsible behaviour; Responsibilities and strategies for conducting events and function; Drug related referral and counselling processes; and Consequences for infringing drug and alcohol guidelines. The Objective of the (UQ) Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Policy are to: St John s College Page 5 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

6 Contribute to the provision of a workplace and learning environment free from alcohol and other drug related harm; Promote moderation and a responsible attitude towards the use of alcohol; Ensure that adequate resources are available for: a. Education programs and information dissemination on drug and alcohol use and associated issues and problems; b. Dissemination and implementation of the Alcohol, Tobacco Smoking, and Other Drugs Policy; c. The provision of informed referral processes and appropriate counselling services for those experiencing alcohol, tobacco and other drug related problems; and d. Enforcement of the policy which reflects the University s commitment to the Statement of Principle: Minimise the legal liability of the University that could result from death, injury, assault, disadvantage, insult or damage caused by a drug and/or alcohol related incident; and Enhance the community perception of the University of Queensland as a safe, supportive and responsible institution Procedures and Penalties Procedures for dealing with breaches of this Policy are set out in the College s Complaints and Discipline Policy. Students are advised that breaches of a serious nature, or repeated breaches, may result in suspension or expulsion from College. Matters falling under this policy which constitute potential criminal conduct may be referred by the College directly to the police. The College reserves the right to refer matters which it deems to have breached a university policy to a student s respective university Alignment with Anglican Church Southern Queensland This policy aligns with Faithfulness in Service, in particular a number of principles and provisions concerning drugs and alcohol in Section 6: sections 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and Alignment with The University of Queensland The College upholds The University of Queensland s Alcohol, Smoking and Other Drugs Policy, and expects its students who are enrolled at The University of Queensland to abide by that policy: see Section of the UQ Policy and Procedures Library (ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/ alcohol-smoking-and-other-drugs). At this time, that policy relates to the Alcohol, Tobacco Smoking and Other Drugs Policy at Section of the Handbook of University Policy and Procedures ( Similarly, the College expects students who are enrolled at other universities to abide by respective policies. St John s College Page 6 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

7 APPENDIX 1: ALCOHOL AND DRUG REGULATIONS 1. The sale, consumption or supply of alcohol at all functions within the College, or organised off campus, must be conducted in accordance with the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld). Alcohol cannot be sold unless a Liquor Licence General Permit has been obtained prior to the function, except where the College deems that its existing liquor licence for the Buttery Bar is fit for purpose. All people designated to serve alcohol at events must have completed a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training program, and their current certification must be on record with the College. 2. An Event Management Plan must be approved in advance by the Warden and followed for all functions involving the sale and consumption of alcohol. The sale of alcohol includes any event which is pay-as-you-go, or sponsored by a ticket, or sponsored by either St John s College or the St John s College Student Club. 3. Pay-as-you-go is the preferred and fairest option and should be adopted whenever possible. This means that non-drinkers do not sponsor those who choose to drink alcohol. 4. A person who is unduly intoxicated or disorderly must not be sold or supplied with alcohol, as this constitutes an offence under the Liquor Act. 5. A person who is under the age of 18 years must not be sold or supplied with alcohol by any person, whether they are a person operating sales or a guest at a function, as this constitutes an offence under the Liquor Act. 6. A person who is under the age of 18 years is prohibited from consuming alcohol anywhere on College premises or at any function off campus. 7. No function, whether on College property or as an event off-site, may have the consumption of alcohol as a primary focus or goal. Responsible social interaction and fund-raising are examples of appropriate goals for social events. 8. While the College permits responsible consumption between friends, it opposes using the college as a pub or place to drink for groups or individuals who wish to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. 9. Residents aged 18 and older may enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol in their room or in another resident s room if they are invited. The consumption of a moderate amount of alcohol precludes parties, and conduct must be contained accordingly. Gatherings in residential rooms must be at a safe capacity. The room door must be closed to reduce noise travelling to neighbours, and the corridor is not to be used as an extension of the room under any circumstances whatsoever. 10. Drinking is not permitted in the corridors, common rooms, kitchenettes, or bathrooms of residential blocks. 11. Drinking is not permitted in tutorial rooms, libraries, computer rooms, music rooms, storage spaces, or any other communal room or building space of the College, with the exception of licensed premises during licensed hours, without the express written permission of the Warden in advance. 12. Drinking is not permitted in any outdoor space of the College, covered or otherwise, without the express written permission of the Warden in advance. 13. Drinking is permitted during licensed hours on licensed premises of the College being the Buttery Bar, the Junior Common Room, and the Dining Hall, and the covered walkways St John s College Page 7 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy

8 directly connecting them provided that it is exclusively alcohol purchased at the Buttery Bar which is consumed. Alcohol purchased on the College s licensed premises may not be removed from those licensed premises. Alcohol not purchased on the College s licensed premises may not be brought onto those licensed premises, whether unopened or otherwise. 14. Students are not to have with them in the College grounds any alcohol which is either in an open container or not in the original container in which it was sold (e.g., in water bottles). 15. Alcohol is not to be consumed anywhere in the College between 1am and midday. This is to encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol. 16. Drunkenness will under no circumstances be accepted as an excuse for misbehaviour. The full consequences for misbehaviour will follow any destructive or socially unacceptable acts, inclusive of circumstances where the resident cannot remember wrongdoing. 17. Home-brewing and distilling equipment is not permitted in College, and in accordance with health and safety precautions, home-brewed alcohol is forbidden to be stored or consumed on College premises. 18. Funnels, yard glasses, beer bongs, and other related drinking implements that may encourage rapid consumption of alcohol are not allowed in College. 19. College residential living encourages socialisation and sociability. Noisy party behaviour and group drinking likely to disturb the study habits or healthy sleep patterns of other residents are contrary to the college ethos of respectful community living. 20. When alcohol is consumed in the Party Room, it must be cleaned up at the time of use. When using the Party Room, the doors are to be closed to reduce noise travelling to other parts of the College. The Party Room is available for booking by College groups under very specific conditions. All bookings must have the Warden s approval. It is for College group events only and not private parties or celebrations. 21. It is the responsibility of those consuming alcohol to put all rubbish into the bins provided. 22. When an organised activity of the St John s College Student Club involving alcohol is planned, the President or their delegate is responsible for submitting an Event Management Plan well ahead of time to the Warden, and must make the changes requested by the Warden or the Dean. The Student Club will be held financially responsible if mess or damage occurs. 23. Whenever any group gathering is anticipated or likely, permission must be sought from the Warden, and a person nominated as being in charge. The nominated person will be held responsible for any mess or resulting damage. 24. Drinking games such as boat races, sculling, iron man events involving alcohol, and other activities promoting binge-drinking are against the law, potentially lethal, and strictly prohibited. They are contrary to the St John s College ethos and the College s alcohol awareness commitment; as well as being inconsistent with The University of Queensland's Policy on Alcohol. Students who organise or participate in such activities may be expelled. 25. Staff may shut down any activity at any time that is deemed to be in breach of this policy. St John s College Page 8 of 8 Alcohol and Drug Policy