Use and Procurement of Alcohol

Rationale

As part of our responsible duty of care to provide a safe workplace, students, staff and visitors must be protected from the physical and behaviour risks associated when the is alcohol provided. Laws around the supply and service of alcohol and well as societal norms demand a minimum level of care and responsibility is taken concerning alcohol to protect the well-being of all.

Related Merici and CE Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with Student Safety and Wellbeing, https://www.merici.act.edu.au/school-policies/student-safety-and-wellbeing with specific respect to alcohol, referenced below:

Use of Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

13.1 Workers are responsible for ensuring their capacity to perform their duties is not impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs, and that the use of these substances does not put them or any other person’s health and safety at risk.

13.2 Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while the worker is ‘on duty’ could affect their ability to work safely and efficiently, especially when they have a responsibility to supervise students or work in close proximity to them.

13.3 Workers must not attend work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or non-prescribed and/or restricted substances.

13.5 Workers must not purchase for, offer, supply, give or administer to students, including those over the age of 18:

i. illegal drugs
ii. restricted substances
iii. prescribed or non-prescribed medication (unless dealing with or administering medication in accordance with relevant policy)
iv. alcohol
v. tobacco.

13.6 Workers must not encourage or condone the use of or use by students of:

i. illegal drugs
ii. restricted substances
iii. alcohol
iv. tobacco.

13.8 Workers must not consume tobacco on school premises or at any school-related activity where students are present.

Alcohol is not to be consumed during school hours at school whenever students are present at the school. In the absence of a policy specifically prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on school premises, at any school-related activity or any time students are present, workers (including volunteers) should be mindful of the following:

• safety of students and others
• supervisory responsibilities and duty of care towards students and
• professional boundaries with students, colleagues and community
• modelling appropriate behaviour for students
• work health and safety
• not driving under the influence of alcohol
• reputation of the school and the CEO
• professional reputation

Workers who are concerned about any person at work that may be affected by alcohol or drugs, or may have engaged in the behaviours outlined above, should consult their Principal/Supervisor/Manager.

Children and young people have a greater vulnerability to alcohol than adults.

To provide alcohol to any person under the age of 18 years is against the law.

Please refer to the full policy attached.

Policy PDF
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