Page 1 of 6 Alcohol Policy for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Halstead

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1 Page 1 of 6 GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPER USE AND SERVING OF ALCOHOL The Diocese of Wichita Alcohol Policy states: The Diocese and the Bishop of Wichita have an interest in the safety and welfare of all individuals on diocesan property. Some social events have traditionally served alcoholic beverages. Social customs and legal penalties for drunk driving have challenged past attitudes about the necessity and advisability of serving alcohol at family and parish celebrations. The Church opposes excessive alcohol consumption because it disrespects one s own health and the wellbeing of others. If alcohol is served on parish property, it must be done responsibly and in moderation and in compliance with Kansas law. This will reduce the risk of an alcohol-related death or injury, and lessen the risk of damage to facilities and property. All that is within the Diocese of Wichita Alcohol Policy is contained within the Sacred Heart Church Policy. See the Diocese of Wichita Alcohol Policy on our website. PREAMBLE Temperance (not too much or too little) is the virtue and goal we are aiming for. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2290 states: The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. There is a myth in which people believe its okay for Catholics to get drunk. However, Catholics are never to get drunk or drink intemperately. We are to practice virtue so as to be a good example to others, especially our youth and to avoid scandal. Most importantly we care about the soul of each person because all are created in the image and likeness of God. We are temples of the Holy Spirit. Our body belongs to God and we use our body to glorify God and to serve others. In order to protect attendees from behavior which can be threatening at the event, and the risk of persons later driving under the influence, and especially to avoid litigation due to underage drinking, serving alcohol to intoxicated persons, and accidents, brewery companies have strict guidelines when dispensing beer at beer tasting events. Since breweries are concerned about helping people to have safe and legal events all the while attempting to prevent litigation, churches should do the same. Churches are not only concerned about safe and legal events and to attempt to prevent litigation. More importantly the people of God, who form the local church care about the souls of those who attend. The body and money is important, but the soul of each person is priceless and we as a body of believers care about the salvation of every soul. We want everyone to have the greatest opportunity possible of enjoying heaven. The pleasures of the world are fleeting, but the pleasure of heaven is forever. THE POLICY The pastor should know and approve of the presence and consumption of alcohol prior to an event. If alcohol is served on parish or diocesan property, Kansas Law must be observed. The following guidelines should also serve as education and safety elements. 1. ALL POLICIES MUST BE FOLLOWED BY ALL WHO USE THE HALL All parishioners or non-parishioners, and all parish organizations such as the Altar Society and Knights of Columbus and all non-parish organizations using parish property are required to follow all alcohol policies of Sacred Heart Church. All persons or organizations who are the responsible party must sign this policy before the alcohol event takes place and this includes parish organizations such as the Altar Society and Knights of Columbus. 2. IF POLICIES NOT FOLLOWED, MAY NOT USE THE HALL IN THE FUTURE If organizations or persons who are the responsible party, do not ensure these policies are followed, the organization or individual may not be permitted to serve alcohol at any event in the future.

2 Page 2 of 6 KANSAS LAW 3. Alcohol shall never be served to, served by, nor consumed by an individual who is under the age of 21 years. Positive proof of age through identification shall be requested of anyone who appears younger than 21. If there is doubt as to whether someone is 21, they must provide identification. Identification is required before one enters the Parish Center. If persons under 21 are permitted at the event, see number 20 of this policy. 4. Alcohol may never be sold at any event at Sacred Heart. 5. Alcohol served at an event on parish property must remain on parish property where the event is taking place. No one is permitted to carry alcohol away from the event s premises. 6. No one who is intoxicated may be served alcohol. Slurred speech, staggering, stumbling behavior, or poor motor skills are clear indicators of alcohol intoxication. 7. NO ALCOHOL AT YOUTH EVENT, YOUTH MAY ATTEND AND SERVE EVENTS, SUPERVISION Alcohol shall never be served, available or otherwise consumed at a youth event. This includes celebrations of the sacraments bestowed on those under the legal drinking age (including marriage), or any event associated with the parish school, a diocesan high school, or a parish youth group. Youth under 21 may serve food or non-alcoholic drinks, buss tables, help cleanup etc at events, but need to have one person over 21 assigned to supervising the youth at the event. The supervising person, must be VIRTUS trained. When persons under 21 are attending or serving see number SECURITY GUARD REQUIRED If alcohol is served at an event where an open invitation has been issued, at least one security guard per 150 guests should be present throughout the event. Open invitation means that non-parishioners have been invited, and includes wedding receptions. This is the responsibility of the person(s) renting the Parish Center and includes Parish Events. The security guard must be an off duty Police Officer by current profession. The police officer is to wear his or her uniform. A uniformed police officer or police officer who wears his or her gun outwardly. If for some reason he or she is unable to wear his or her uniform, due to regulations, a shirt must be worn clearly labeled Security and the gun must be visible. A security guard gives patrons a sense of security and helps all to know who to turn if help is needed. The responsible party must pay for the Security Officers or Police Officers. The current fee for Harvey County police officers is $ NO ONE MAY BRING ADDITIONAL ALCOHOL TO FUNCTION Only the responsible party is allowed to bring alcohol onto parish property. No one may bring alcohol to any event, except for the responsible party. The security guard will be asked to prevent coolers and anything with alcohol from entering the parish center. 10. NO GLASS BOTTLES To reduce the possibility of damage to persons and facilities, alcohol should not be served in bottles. 11. NO HARD LIQUOR, ONLY BEER AND WINE SERVED Only beer and or wine will be served at any event. One alcoholic beverage should be served to a guest at a time. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, There is an equivalent amount of alcohol in such standard drinks as a 12-ounce glass of beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine Hard liquor and any alcohol with a content of more than 16% may never be served or stored or consumed on parish property.

3 Page 3 of ALL FUNCTIONS BARTENDERS ONLY SERVE ALCOHOL, NO TABLE SERVICE Only professional bartenders may distribute beer or wine at any event on parish property. Such events include parish and non-parish events and include wedding receptions and dances. In order to assure adequate time to hire paid bar tenders, an event in which alcohol is served may not be scheduled in less than one month of the event. Professionally paid bar tenders may never drink alcohol while serving alcohol. Persons or organizations organizing the event are required to pay Sacred Heart Parish for these bar tenders. Only the Parish Secretary will hire the bar tenders. Therefore, organizations or individuals may not hire their own bar tenders. Those who wish to drink alcohol must approach the bar to obtain their glass of wine or beer. The bartenders should be instructed to serve no more than 12 ounces of beer per serving, and no more than 6 ounces of wine per serving. Only professionally trained bar tenders by trade may be hired. The bartender is responsible for determining if the person is of age and if the person is not able to consume more alcohol due to intoxication. Due to liability concerns and insurance carriers requirements, the Responsible Party must designate one or more dependable bartenders to monitor alcohol consumption by those attending the function. Under no circumstances are alcoholic beverages to be served to those under the age of 21 as required by law. It is in the best interests of all to not allow excessive drinking. No alcohol may be served at tables. All who drink alcohol must go to the bartender to obtain their cup of alcohol. Bartenders are required to read this policy before bartending. 13. FOOD AND OTHER NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES REQUIRED TO BE SERVED THRU EVENT Food, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages (pop, tea, water, and juice) should be served constantly throughout an event where alcohol is served. Food should be readily available throughout the event. At least 1 hour before the event concludes, the bar should be closed. 14. TRANSPORTATION REQUIRED FOR INTOXICATED PERSONS If a guest appears intoxicated and has transported him or herself to the event, the event s planner should provide, or otherwise arrange, alternative transportation for the guest. The determination of intoxication may be made through personal observation: slurred speech, staggering, or poor motor skills coordination. 15. INSURANCE RIDER REQUIRED Any time alcohol is served at an event, the Responsible Party must provide the Parish Office with a rider from their insurance company that is dated for coverage of the exact date and times of the event, and allows coverage for up to $1,000, This rider must be in to the parish office at least ten days prior to the date of the event. 16. ALL LIABILTY ASSUMED BY RESPONSIBLE PARTY The Responsible Party shall be solely responsible for any and all liabilities arising out of alcohol consumption that may result in injury, whether it be to persons or property. The Responsible Party will indemnify, defend and hold Sacred Heart of Halstead Parish and the Catholic Diocese of Wichita harmless for any and all injuries which occur on or off parish premises that arise from the consumption of alcohol at a scheduled event. 17. ALCOHOL STORAGE Alcohol to be used at a particular event, may be stored the day before and removed no later than the day after the approved event. Other than this, alcohol may not be stored anywhere on parish property.

4 Page 4 of LIMIT CONSUMPTION PER PERSON See Preamble with regard to limiting consumption and see Why Limit Consumption? at end of this policy. The Kansas Department of Transportation states, The effects of alcoholic drinks vary greatly because the rate that alcohol is absorbed into the blood differs from person to person. Other factors, such as the amount of food in the stomach, also affect alcohol absorption. However, in order to prevent immoderation and intoxication, there shall not be more than two 12 ounce glasses of beer served per person at any event including wedding receptions and dances. Or if wine is served, there shall not be no more than two 6 ounce glasses of wine served per person at any event including wedding reception and dances. If both wine and beer are served at the same event, there shall not be more than one 12 ounce glass of beer served and one 6 ounce glass of wine per person. The purpose of drinking alcohol is not to drink so much that one feels good or to get drunk in order to have a good time. Rather, the purpose of drinking alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages is to quench thirst and to celebrate an occasion with drinks that are relaxing and social in a temperate manner. 19. METHOD OF LIMITING CONSUMPTION In order to assure the number of glasses are limited as in number 18 of this policy, there shall be cards to punch holes when receiving a cup of alcohol, which clearly indicate how many glasses of alcohol are consumed per person. When entering the Parish Center, the name of the person who is above the age of 21 will be given a card with the patron s name on it. This will prevent immoderation and intoxication, whether accidental or on purpose. 20. WRIST BANDS or OTHER METHOD OF IDENTIFCATION REQUIRED If persons under the age of 21 are present at an event in which alcohol is served, either all those under the age of 21 are clearly identified so as to not be able to be served alcohol OR all those over the age of 21 will be required to wear wrist band or some other identification, so it will be very clear to the bartender as to whether or not the person is 21 or older. Age of persons must be identified before entering the Parish Center. 21. NO CONSUMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION EXCEPT AT APPROVED EVENTS Alcohol may not be consumed or distributed except at approved events. No person or organization may drink or distribute alcohol before, during or after meetings or after events such as the Old Settlers parade. 22. COPY OF POLICY The Parish Secretary is required to give the responsible party a copy of the policy and keep the signed paper stating they have read and will agree to follow the policy. The secretary will also give a copy of the policy to the responsible party to give to the security guard and also the bartenders. 23. ADDITIONAL CONSUMPTON AFTER EVENTS NOT PERMITTED After a beer tasting event or after any event in which alcohol is served, the remaining opened containers or kegs with remaining beer, may not be dispensed. Opened wine containers may not be dispensed after an event. The Responsible Party is free to either throw away unused opened containers or seal the containers and remove the partially used containers without any additional consumption. If additional consumption occurs, the event will not be permitted in the future. Alcohol may not be served or dispensed one hour before the event concludes. 24. CLEANUP AND DECORATIONS When beer and/or wine are served which will require attendees to walk to and from their own tables to get their drinks, then the Parish Center floor, hallway, entrances and kitchen must be entirely mopped either the night of or the next day. If the Hall is used the next day, then the entire floor needs to be cleaned the same night of the

5 Page 5 of 6 function. All decorations must be removed either the night of or the day after the event. If another function is held the following day, then the decorations need to be removed the same evening of the event. 25. APPROVED ADAPTATIONS The Pastor may approve adaptations to this policy depending upon the circumstances of the planned event. He will not approve of anything which is illegal. If a wedding couple is unable to pay for bartenders or for the security guard, contact the pastor. WHY LIMIT DRINKS? If breweries limit alcohol at beer tasting events, how much more should the people of a church do so, since we care especially about the souls of those who attend? Breweries require an ID before entering the place where beer tasting occurs and at that moment, all those over 21 are to place a wrist band around their hand. At that time they also receive 6 small medicine type cups in which each disposes after the cup is filled. Brewery companies do not allow alcohol servers to re-fill used cups. They do not serve those without wrist bands. Breweries do not permit servers to drink at any time during the event. I got drunk at Sacred Heart! Does anyone want to hear that someone got drunk, whether accidently or on purpose at our parish? By not limiting the consumption of alcohol, it is quite possible and most likely that some people will get drunk at Sacred Heart. Some do not have the ability to control the amount of alcohol they drink and need others to help them drink temperately. Occasions of sin should be avoided and we learn what occasions can be a temptation to us. Therefore it is necessary to limit the number of drinks per person, so that no one will get drunk at Sacred Heart. According to state law, bartenders of restaurants and bars are not to serve the intoxicated, but they do not prevent persons from getting intoxicated. Christians as individuals and as a church are to prevent intoxication because it s sinful. When consumption occurs on church property, as a church, we try to help others drink temperately for the spiritual and physical safety of everyone. We desire to witness what it means to be Christian, by helping others and to also avoid tragic situations which can occur with intemperance of alcohol. If one desires to drink more than the two cup limit, one is free to drink at home or to go to a bar or a restaurant. Alcohol is not evil in and of itself, but the abuse of alcohol makes it serious (grave) matter, just as if we were to abuse something else that is good (e.g., eating too much). But, alcohol also has a second effect on us. It can cause us to lose control of our free will and reason when we drink to excess. Thus, it is possible to freely give away the gift of our freedom by abusing alcohol. If we ever choose to do this, it can be gravely immoral and a mortal sin. Abuse of Alcohol in Scripture Proverbs 23:19-35 tells us that becoming drunk is unwise and that we are not to do it. Proverbs 31:1-7 tells us that when we drink to excess we forget God s laws. Ephesians 5:15-18 Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Paul also tells us in Galatians 5 that drunkenness is one of the acts that lead us away from the Kingdom of God and it is compared as an opposite to the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us that if we get drunk we are not prepared for the coming of Christ s Kingdom at that time and we are then not acting as Sons of the Light, who are self-controlled. Scandal to Youth Youth observe what we do as a parish and what adults do and they imitate them. If the parish or if an individual or organization, who uses the Parish Center permits drunkenness and does not try to help patrons to be moderate in drinking, they can give scandal to youth. Scandal to non-catholics If a parish permits the abuse of alcohol it appears as though we don t care about morality and don t believe the Gospel. Rather, we should always at all times proclaim the Gospel.

6 Page 6 of 6 Car Accidents- If a drunk person has a car accident, he or she may inflict injury on themselves or others and may cause someone to become paralyzed, or handicapped or even die or kill others. People who have lost loved ones due to drunk drivers will testify how drunkenness can destroy the lives of people and their families. Persons, organizations and the parish itself has an obligation to prevent drunkenness so to avoid serious consequences by those who inadvertently get drunk or purposely get drunk. Legal Reasons If a parish or if individuals of the parish do not do abide by state laws or diocesan policy, the responsible party risks great liability and could be sued causing tremendous hardship on our parish and the Diocese of Wichita. Persons who are intoxicated and who drive, risk going to jail or losing one s license, and paying fines. Harm to Families- Families who have a loved one who has a drinking problem will attest to verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, marital problems and divorce, which can stem from excessive drinking. TYPES OF DRINKERS Some intend to get drunk but are not alcoholic. Others are alcoholic and cannot drink temperately even though they may desire to drink temperately. For them intemperance is a life-long cross. There is help through AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) in which many discover a power greater than themselves (God) and people like themselves who volunteer to help others to control their drinking. There are different kinds of alcoholics: beer, hard liquor, wine. Some hide their excessive drinking or don t want to admit they have a problem. Some therefore need others especially the church in which an event takes place, who will help them to drink temperately. Others, who are not alcoholic, don t intend to get drunk but do either because they don t understand their limitation or perhaps they don t know the alcohol content of what they are drinking. Some people can think they are drunk, but they aren t drunk, rather they are feeling good. Some people can drink more than others due to their metabolism, size of the person, whether or not they ate something before or during drinking. The loss of judgement and impaired thinking can occur with more or less alcohol than others. Effective May 13th, Fr. Edmond Kline, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Halstead, Kansas I hereby state that I, as the Responsible Party for on from. I have read and clearly understand and agree to all the above-stated regulations of Sacred Heart Church Alcohol policy regarding alcohol usage in the Parish Hall and on parish property and promise to insure that all rules are followed during the planned event. Signed Date