ALCOHOL GUIDELINES

Modified on Tue, 29 Jul at 3:01 PM

Alcohol Guidelines -

It is important to consider the impact alcohol can have on your event and how you can mitigate any risks or barriers to participation.  

When planning an event, ensure you have considered: 

Having alternative options to alcohol - Committees have a duty of care to members to consider inclusivity in all events including running events which are non-drinking. Where alcoholic drinks are provided at events, non-alcoholic alternatives must also be provided. 
Mitigate risk of excessive drinking – excessive alcohol consumption can lead to harm, ensure that this is covered in your risk assessment, and you have appropriate controls in place to discourage overconsumption.  
Mitigate risk of underage drinking – If your event is open to Under 18’s, ensure you have considered safeguarding responsibilities and have appropriate control measures to prevent alcohol being supplied to under 18’s. In this case, we would recommend having an alcohol-free event. 
Events should not be run where the main aim is to encourage excessive drinking e.g. ‘all-you-can-drink' events & drinking games. 
Alcohol may not be consumed as part of a 24hr event.

Purchasing alcohol  

You may not purchase alcohol to stock a bar- bar services must be fully provided by a venue or supplier. 
You may not purchase alcohol at events and claim this back as this does not constitute an activity or expense that is core to the fundamental aims & objectives of any CSP within Imperial College Union. This expense does also not equally benefit all members. 
You may purchase alcohol, e.g. a bottle of wine, as a ‘gift’ for a speaker or guest at an event. 
Licensed external venues may provide a bar at your events. A ‘drinks package’ may be purchased as part of hire e.g. a welcome drink per attendee, limited wine on tables or drinks vouchers.