• Section 1 - Purpose and Context
• Section 2 - Definitions
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Part A - Alcohol
• Consumption
• Alcohol Free Zones
• Service of Alcohol
• Responsible Service of Alcohol
• Complimentary Service of Alcohol
• Sale of Alcohol
• Licences
• Part B - Drugs
• Illegal Drugs
• Prescription and Over the Counter Medications
• Schedule 4 and 8 Drugs
• Tobacco
• Part C - Work Health and Safety
• General Requirements
• Intervention
• Support
• Part D - Emergency Procedures
• Part E - Breaches of this policy
• Section 5 - Guidelines

Section 1 - Purpose and Context

(1) All members of the University community are responsible for protecting their work, academic and social environment by exemplifying high standards of professional and personal conduct. Persons who are impaired by alcohol or drugs at work or study can jeopardise their own and others' health and welfare, compromise their ability to perform their duties, and impact on the University's reputation.

(2) These procedures provide the University's framework, consistent with legislative requirements, for the responsible distribution and consumption of alcohol and other drugs and sets out overarching requirements for securing, managing and using Schedule 4 and 8 Drugs in research and teaching activities.

(3) These procedures have been developed with a view to harm minimisation and ensuring a safe environment for all who visit the University, and covers alcohol, over the counter and prescription medicines, tobacco and illegal drugs.

(4) These procedures apply to:

1. any person when:
   1. attending a University campus or facility (owned or leased)
   2. using University equipment (owned or leased)
   3. attending a University event, function or activity
   4. attending any student association's event, function or activity
   5. participating in any activity as a representative of the University (e.g., field trips, inter-University events, conferences)
2. individuals and groups who engage in the service of alcohol on the University's premises or at a University event.

(5) Students in residence are covered by requirements stipulated by Western Sydney University Village as well as the provisions of these procedures.

(6) The University urges students, staff and visitors to abide by the laws of other countries when travelling overseas and comply with requirements related to alcohol and other drugs when travelling as a representative of the University.

(7) These procedures should be read in conjunction with the Code of Conduct, Employee Assistance Program Procedures, Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Scheduled Drugs and Poisons Management Procedure, Smoke-Free Environment Policy and Student Code of Conduct.

Section 2 - Definitions

(8) For the purposes of these procedures:

1. Schedule 4 drugs means prescribed restricted substances (including drugs) but not prohibited substances and drugs, as per the schedule maintained by Pharmaceutical Services.
2. Schedule 8 drugs means drugs of addiction as per the schedule maintained by Pharmaceutical Services.
3. Staff means all University employees and includes contract and agency staff, associates and affiliates.
4. Student Association means any student representative body, council, association, club, collective or society.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(9) Refer to the Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

(10) The University is committed to:

1. providing a safe and healthy work and learning environment
2. promoting a responsible attitude towards the use of alcohol and other drugs
3. respecting individual and cultural differences towards the consumption of alcohol
4. minimising alcohol and other drug related harm to the University community, University property and the University's reputation
5. meeting its legal responsibilities in relation to the sale and consumption of alcohol on University premises or at University events and
6. supporting students and staff through its counselling services and Employee Assistance Program.

(11) The University expects all students, staff and visitors to:

1. act responsibly in the management and consumption of alcohol and other drugs
2. undertake the serving of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs in accordance with any legal requirements and in a manner that respects cultural, social and individual differences, preferences and choices.

(12) Staff are expected to be free of the influence of legal and illegal substances that may impact their judgement and ability to perform their functions when on duty.

(13) The University does not tolerate the illegal possession, cultivation, distribution or consumption of any drug on University premises, when using University equipment, attending a University or student association event, function or activity, participating in any activity as a representative of the University, or engaging in the service of alcohol on the University's premises or at a University event.

(14) The University does not condone harassment or other unlawful behaviour that may result from the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.

Section 4 - Procedures

Part A - Alcohol

Consumption

(15) The consumption of alcoholic beverages at University activities and venues must be managed responsibly in accordance with these procedures, and state and federal law.

(16) The University's Code of Conduct also demands a responsible approach to the consumption of alcohol.

(17) Responsible management of consumption in the University context requires individuals to:

1. limit their consumption of alcoholic beverages to appropriate occasions/activities
2. limit their consumption of alcohol to a level that does not impede or adversely affect their capacity or behaviour (or the capacity of others) in fulfilling their obligations while at or representing the University
3. comply with the reasonable instructions of those responsible for the service of alcohol and/or University employees
4. not encourage others to engage in the irresponsible consumption of alcohol and
5. consume alcohol only in the area/perimeter designated for an event.

(18) Individuals are not to consume alcohol:

1. when they are under 18 years of age
2. where the consumption is likely to result in a subsequent breach of state or federal law. For example, consuming sufficient alcohol to raise their blood alcohol level above legal permissible driver blood alcohol limits where they intend to drive.

(19) For certain staff positions, the University:

1. may restrict the consumption of alcohol, having regard to the requirements of the position*, including:
   1. nil consumption permitted whilst on duty
   2. nil consumption permitted for a designated period prior to the commencement of duty and
2. will incorporate specific conditions in relation to the consumption of alcohol into the relevant position description where necessary, and will revise those requirements from time to time.

(20) Staff, students and visitors are not to consume alcohol during or prior to participating in any activity that is inherently hazardous or likely to become hazardous as a result of the consumption of alcohol, including:

1. handling dangerous goods
2. operating University vehicles or controlling heavy machinery or equipment
3. undertaking electrical maintenance work
4. working at heights or in confined spaces.

Alcohol Free Zones

(21) Students must not bring alcohol onto University premises, except on-campus residents who provide alcohol for consumption within their personal student residence in accordance with these procedures, the requirements and rules of Western Sydney University student accommodation facilities, and state and federal law.

(22) The following staff may determine an area or event covered by these procedures is an Alcohol Free Zone either temporarily or permanently:

1. for temporary determinations - a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a Vice-President, the relevant Campus Provost, or the Director, Campus Safety and Security
2. for permanent alcohol free zones - the Vice-President, Infrastructure and Commercial.

(23) Relevant staff are to ensure all determinations of alcohol free zones are reported to the Vice-President, Infrastructure and Commercial.

(24) No person is to consume or publicly display alcohol in an Alcohol Free Zone.

(25) The Vice-President, Infrastructure and Commercial will:

1. ensure Permanent Alcohol Free Zones are clearly identified with appropriate signage and
2. notify any liquor licensee on the relevant campus of the determination of an Alcohol Free Zone and rules of Western Sydney University student accommodation facilities.

Service of Alcohol

Responsible Service of Alcohol

(26) The University's Responsible Service of Alcohol Provisions set out specific requirements governing the promotion and service of alcohol. The provisions must be adhered to at all times where alcohol is involved in a promotional activity or where it is intended to be served to members of the University community on a complimentary or retail basis.

Complimentary Service of Alcohol

(27) Alcohol may be supplied on a complimentary basis from time to time at various University events, functions and activities (i.e., free of charge and where an entry fee is not charged). The event organiser is responsible for:

1. ensuring the service of alcohol is managed in accordance with the University's Responsible Service of Alcohol Provisions and
2. liaising with Campus Safety and Security to determine if any security arrangements will be required.

Sale of Alcohol

(28) Alcohol may only be sold on campus through authorised campus outlets where the licensee holds a current liquor licence and, except where the licensee is an employee of the University, has entered into a formal contract with the University (approved by the Office of General Counsel) for the use of the relevant outlet.

(29) The sale of alcohol on campus must be managed in accordance with the requirements in:

1. legislation
2. the relevant liquor licence
3. the Responsible Service of Alcohol Provisions
4. these procedures
5. the relevant venue's House Policy and
6. the University's Emergency Procedures.

(30) Alcohol is taken to be part of a sale, and must be undertaken in accordance with an appropriate Liquor Licence, where tickets are sold to an event and alcohol is provided at the event, alcohol is included in the price of a ticket to an event, a donation is required to enter an event, or a person's attendance is covered by membership fees.

(31) Where alcohol is to be sold on campus, the licensee must ensure an adequate number of appropriately licensed and uniformed security personnel are engaged and on hand to manage the patrons, having due regard for the number of patrons, the venue and the nature of the event.

Licences

(32) On-campus student residents who provide alcohol for consumption within their personal residence may only do so as permitted by their residency agreement and must comply with the rules that apply to their student accommodation facility.

(33) The Vice-President, Infrastructure and Commercial is authorised to sign licensing applications to the (Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority) on behalf of the University.

(34) To obtain a Liquor Licence for an event, the relevant person must:

1. submit a licensing application to the Vice-President, Infrastructure and Commercial to endorse
2. submit the application to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority
3. if a person other than a University employee, enter into a contract with the University approved by the Office of General Counsel for use of the relevant venue and
4. when the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has dealt with the licensing application, provide the Vice-President, Infrastructure and Commercial with a copy of the determination.

(35) A licensee of licensed premises within the University must participate in any local liquor accord or local licensing committee.

(36) Licensees must comply with all relevant provisions under the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) and their Liquor Licence. This will include harm minimisation and the University's Responsible Service of Alcohol Provisions.

Part B - Drugs

Illegal Drugs

(37) The University will report all illegal activity, including the consumption, possession or distribution of illegal substances, and any implement that might be used in the manufacture, growing, sale or distribution of drugs, to the appropriate authorities (e.g., the police).

Prescription and Over the Counter Medications

(38) The University acknowledges that some members of its community may, from time to time, consume over the counter and prescription medicines and/or may require on-going medication for their health management while at or prior to attending the University or participating in a University activity.

(39) To protect themselves and other members of the University community, staff, students and others must manage the consumption of prescription and over the counter medications responsibly, which includes:

1. adhering to professional medical advice and instructions regarding the consumption of medications and potential side effects
2. taking appropriate steps to avoid potential harm to the individual or other members of the community, such as:
   1. taking a leave of absence where the medication impedes the capacity to perform appropriately or
   2. discussing other options (e.g., short-term change of duties) with a supervisor and
3. disposing of any needles, syringes and similar equipment in appropriate sharps containers.

(40) Supervisors of staff and students are to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals who are required to consume prescription and over the counter medication.

(41) While the University respects the individual's right to choice, for health and legal reasons it strongly recommends members of its community refrain from consuming any medication provided by another member of the University community or offering medication to other community members.

Schedule 4 and 8 Drugs

(42) Schedule 4 and 8 drugs, used in certain research and teaching activities the University conducts, must be obtained, secured, utilised and managed in strict compliance with the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 (NSW), requirements of NSW Health, and the University's Scheduled Drugs and Poisons Management Procedure.

Tobacco

(43) Staff, students and visitors must comply with legislative requirements governing the production, distribution and consumption of tobacco and tobacco products (e.g., smokes, cigarettes, cigars, pipes).

(44) When on campus, individuals must abide by the Smoke-Free Environment Policy and have due regard for the health and safety of members of the University community.

Part C - Work Health and Safety

General Requirements

(45) The Senior Campus Security Officer on duty on the relevant campus or the Director, Campus Safety and Security may close any event or function and/or cease the trade of alcohol where a licensee, the temporary function licence holder or the designated coordinator of the particular event or function, does not comply with the Responsible Service of Alcohol Provisions, or where the University's duty of care is being placed at risk.

Intervention

(46) To meet its legal responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the University expects each person on University property or acting within the University's jurisdiction will at all times:

1. act reasonably and responsibly
2. adhere to any requests that are made in the interests of preventing harm and minimising risk and
3. in the event of an emergency, follow any reasonable directions given under the University's Emergency Preparedness Procedures (the suite of emergency preparedness and response documents maintained by Campus Safety and Security as applicable from time to time), or the emergency procedures of the relevant establishment where attending an off-campus event.

(47) The University reserves the right to ask any person who does not act reasonably in such circumstances to remove themselves from University property or from any University activity/event. Should a person refuse such a request, the University may call for any assistance it deems appropriate in the circumstances.

Support

(48) Staff and students in need of professional assistance, counselling or support regarding alcohol or other drugs may obtain confidential counselling and support through the University's Employee Assistance Program and Student Welfare Service, respectively, and staff and students are encouraged to use these services.

(49) The University will, as far as practicable, respect the rights of staff and students to privacy and confidentiality in relation to obtaining one of these services having regard to the University's duty to maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment.

Part D - Emergency Procedures

(50) To effectively manage emergency situations involving the consumption of alcohol or other drugs, the University expects:

1. members of the University community will familiarise themselves with the University's emergency procedures
2. persons in control of liquor outlets are fully conversant with the University's emergency preparedness program and are able to implement the emergency management plan, which may include contacting Campus Safety and Security (Emergency Response Personnel) or external emergency services as necessary on the numbers in the table below.

(51) Persons using a University ground line as part of an emergency response, must dial zero for an outside line before dialling the external emergency services number.

Part E - Breaches of this policy

(52) Any student or staff member who contravenes the requirements of these procedures or relevant legislation, or the Code of Conduct or Student Code of Conduct, as relevant, may be subject to internal and/or external disciplinary proceedings, in accordance with the applicable employment agreement in the case of staff members, and in accordance with the Student Misconduct Rule in the case of students.

(53) A breach of these procedures includes:

1. failure to follow the reasonable directions of those responsible for the service of alcohol or of University employees (particularly security officers)
2. any subsequent action that directly or indirectly undermines the intent of such directions
3. any action intended to impede an individual's right to choose not to consume alcohol or other drugs (e.g., by spiking drinks with alcohol or drugs, applying persistent or undue pressure)
4. acting in a manner inconsistent with the policy positions set out in Section 3 of these Procedures.

(54) The University reserves the right to remove any individual from its premises or from any University activity/event, for failure to comply with its policy documents or the reasonable directions of its employees.

(55) The University may take civil action to recover any damages to University property caused by a breach of these Procedures.

Section 5 - Guidelines

(56) Individuals can refer to the following University policy documents and/or units for additional information/guidance:

1. Disability Policy
2. Assessment Policy
3. Examinations Policy
4. Graduation Policy
5. Progression Policy
6. Equity, Diversity and Wellbeing
7. Counselling Service
8. Disability Service
9. Student Welfare Service

(57) Further guidance is available from:

1. the Australian Guidelines to Reduce the Risks from Drinking Alcohol
2. the Australian Standard Drink website
3. the University's Responsible Service of Alcohol Provisions.