Our commitment

Our club supports the responsible consumption of alcohol and takes seriously any inappropriate behaviour that results from excessive drinking.

We will not endorse or support events, celebrations or end of season trips that involve excessive consumption of alcohol.

We will give every and all consideration to the responsible promotion of alcohol in all fundraising and other club activities and the club will pursue non-alcohol sponsorship and revenue sources.

What we will do

Serving Alcohol

Alcohol will be served in compliance with the requirements of our club’s liquor licence and in accordance with the safety and wellbeing of patrons.

• Only Responsible Serving of Alcohol accredited members will be permitted to serve alcohol. They are not permitted to drink while serving alcohol.
• The liquor licence will be displayed at the bar.
• Excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol will be discouraged.
• The club will not promote alcohol through ‘cheap drink’ strategies, such as happy hours
• A person aged under 18 will not be permitted to be behind the bar under any circumstances.
• Alcohol will not be served in glass at player party functions.
• A committee member or committee designated responsible adult will be present at all times at events where alcohol is served.
• Alcohol will not be served to any person who is intoxicated. Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, impaired balance, poor coordination, reduced inhibition, aggressive, belligerent and disrespectful behaviour.
• Servers will follow procedures, provided in their training by the Liquor Licensing Commission, for dealing with and refusing alcohol to intoxicated patrons.
• Intoxicated patrons will be asked to leave. Safe travel options will be suggested.
• People aged under 18 will not knowingly be served alcohol.
• Staff will request proof of age, where appropriate, and only photo ID will be accepted.
• We will prominently display taxi phone numbers in the venue.
• Club members and bar staff will encourage intoxicated patrons to take safe transport home.
• The club will support setting up designated drivers for player social events.
• A range of snacks or meals will be available when alcohol is served.
• The club will provide a selection of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, such as fruit juice and soft drink, at the bar and at all social functions. Free water will also be available.
• Tea and coffee will be available during social functions.
• Posters about responsible drinking and standard drinks measures will be prominently displayed.
• Alcohol advertising will only appear at the bar.
• We will promote courses that provide education on responsible consumption of alcohol to members including Responsible Serving of Alcohol.
• We will educate members and supporters about our alcohol policy through our website, newsletter and other club communication.

Intoxicated patrons

• Alcohol will not be served to any person who is intoxicated. Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, impaired balance, poor coordination, reduced inhibition, aggressive, belligerent and disrespectful behaviour.

• Servers will follow procedures, provided in their training by the Liquor Licensing Commission, for dealing with and refusing alcohol to intoxicated patrons.

• Intoxicated patrons will be asked to leave. Safe travel options will be suggested.

Underage drinking

• People aged under 18 will not knowingly be served alcohol.

• Staff will request proof of age, where appropriate, and only photo ID will be accepted.

Safe transport

• We will prominently display taxi phone numbers in the venue.

• Club members and bar staff will encourage intoxicated patrons to take safe transport home.

• The club will support setting up designated drivers for player social events.

Food and other drinks

• A range of snacks or meals will be available when alcohol is served.

• The club will provide a selection of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, such as fruit juice and soft

drink, at the bar and at all social functions. Free water will also be available.

• Tea and coffee will be available during social functions.

Promoting the responsible use of alcohol

• Posters about responsible drinking and standard drinks measures will be prominently displayed.

• Alcohol advertising will only appear at the bar.

• We will promote courses that provide education on responsible consumption of alcohol to

members including Responsible Serving of Alcohol.

• We will educate members and supporters about our alcohol policy through our website,

newsletter and other club communication.

What we ask you to do

All members and sporting personnel are required to comply with the following.

• Drink and behave responsibly at all club functions, events and away trips.
• Do not supply alcohol to team members if they are aged under 18.
• Do not drink alcohol at the club, club functions, matches or while away on trips if you are aged under 18.
• Do not drink alcohol while undertaking duties in your role as a coach, as an official or as a volunteer.
• Do not encourage others to drink alcohol excessively.
• Do not encourage or take part in team bonding activities that involve alcohol.
• Do not spike another person’s drink.

Non-Compliance

The club will take action for breaches of behaviour and responsibilities outlined in this policy.

• If members or sporting personnel become drunk at the club or other social events they will be asked to leave. Ongoing instances of intoxication will be in breach of our Code of Behaviour and can result in disciplinary action (e.g. suspension or termination of membership).
• Spiking of drinks is a criminal offence that can be reported to police by victims. It can lead to serious police charges being laid against the offender/s. Separate action can be taken as a breach of our state sporting organisation’s and our club’s Member Protection Policy to provide for the protection, safety and welfare of members.
• Serving alcohol to a minor is a criminal offence that can be reported to the police and the relevant liquor licensing authority by victims and their parents. It can lead to heavy fines. Separate action can be taken as a breach of our state sporting organisation’s and our club’s Member Protection Policy to provide for the protection, safety and welfare of children.
• Any person aged under 18 found to have consumed alcohol while at a club function or on a trip in the care of the club (e.g. while attending a country carnival) may be suspended for the remainder of the competition/tournament. The young person’s parents shall be advised and will be responsible for getting their son/daughter home at their own expense.
• Any member or sporting personnel found to have behaved in appropriately because of over-consumption of alcohol (e.g. sexual harassment, verbal abuse, physical assault, neglect of a child) will face disciplinary action as outlined in our Member Protection Policy or Code of Behaviour.