RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL GUIDELINES

This document lays out guidelines regarding the responsible use and promotion of alcohol at activities conducted by Australian Rovers.

1. It is recognised that Rovers who are 18 years and over are legally permitted to drink alcohol and should do so in a responsible manner.

2. The responsible use of alcohol must be promoted by the organisers of all Rover activities where alcohol is either available or provided.

3. The Crew, Rovers and Organisers of Events have a duty of care towards Rovers and participants at events. Rovers and participants at events will respect this and behave and consume alcohol in a responsible manner. Rovers will not permit under 18’s to consume alcohol at Rover events.

4. The use of alcohol is defined to be a problem when it adversely affects others, or affects the safety of the Rover in question. Before a Rover’s use of alcohol becomes a problem, his/her Crew must take action to remedy the situation. In the absence of the Rover’s own Crew, action must be taken by any other Rovers present and the organisers of the event.

5. The consumption of alcohol must always be discouraged where Rovers are involved in activities with other Sections.

6. Rovers should be discouraged from discussing or boasting about their consumption of alcohol at inappropriate times, such as in the presence of younger members of the Scout Association and public. Rovers should encourage and promote a culture of responsible use of alcohol.

7. Rovers should consider the appropriateness of the situation before engaging in unsuitable songs or chants. In encouraging a culture of responsible use of alcohol consumption songs or chants about excessive or inappropriate alcohol consumption should be discouraged at all times.

8. Rovers should use their best judgment before drinking, especially when in uniform.

9. Fatigue is recognised as a significant health and safety risk to Rovers. Rovers, Rover Crews and Event Organisers will be proactive in reducing the impact that alcohol consumption has on fatigue and driving especially with people on provisional licences.

10. Rovers Crews, Rover Councils, Trainers and Event Organisers will promote awareness to Rovers on the health and safety risks associated with the consumption of alcohol. This could include the national guidelines for alcohol consumption and calculation of blood alcohol concentration.

11. Branches and event organisers will promote responsible alcohol consumption by focusing eventswhere possible to be non-alcohol related. Rovers will not encourage irresponsible, binge, intoxicating and excessive drinking situations, games and activities.

12. Event organisers will where practical;

• introduce hours for alcohol consumption, eg between 4pm and 2am
• ensure food is available if a bar is running
• have other activities available that do not involve alcohol consumption
• provide signage and information on responsible alcohol consumption

These guidelines were last updated on 25 June 2006

For a PDF copy of these Guidelines, click here.