Download DITSU Alcohol Policy – 14th April 2016 DIT Students` Union must

DITSU Alcohol Policy – 14th April 2016
DIT Students’ Union must make a concerted effort at all times to provide awareness to its members,
of the relevant dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. Abuse of alcohol has become endemic
in Irish society, and third level students can be at risk of its potential damaging and long-lasting
effects. Alcohol consumption can be a large part of student life, is often used for social interaction
and a healthy balance must be achieved. DIT Students' Union adheres to the guidelines in the
National Alcohol policy (1996) as amended.
The DIT Students’ Union shall run awareness campaigns, on both the immediate and long term
effects of alcohol abuse on physical and mental health due to alcohol consumption. Our awareness
campaigns shall include: binge drinking, over consumption, spiking, peer pressure, finance and
any other issues arising in this area.
Aims and objectives of DIT Students’ Union Alcohol Policy
DIT Students’ Union acknowledges that students reserve the right to drink or not drink alcoholic
beverages due to a number of reasons; including religious, cultural or social. DIT Students’ Union
will also support safe drinking habits; the promotion of alternatives to alcohol; skills to avoid social
pressures and highlight adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
DIT Students’ Union will also strive to provide support and/or guidance where possible to students
who may be suffering from the effects of alcohol consumption, or the adverse effects caused to
them by other users of alcohol. DIT Students' Union alcohol policy applies equally to all students
without discrimination as per article 2.6 of the DITSU Constitution.
Clarification of Roles
The Vice President(s) for Education and Welfare, and the appropriate staff shall be responsible for
the campaign, highlighting the aspects mentioned in the introduction above.
The Vice President for Events shall maintain the considerations of the office(s) of VP Education
and Welfare to maintain the student’s welfare at all times. In an effort to do so, he/she will provide
offers on non-alcoholic beverages at DITSU events alongside the alcoholic beverages.
Controls with respect to advertising, promotions and sponsorship
1. All forms of advertising must be in compliance with the DITSU Alcohol Policy and DITSU Poster
Policy. This includes online, on site and on the DITSU App.
2. All advertising must contain the following phrase: “DIT Students’ Union encourages the
responsible consumption of alcohol.”
3. Alcohol advertising and promotions on campus are limited to the advertising of brand names
of beer, stout, spirits or the name of the manufacturers although they should not be the main
focus of on site and online posters and the DITSU App advertisements.
4. Promotions of cocktails and happy hours should be avoided, along with the sale of alcohol
below cost price.
5. A voucher system is to be used to ensure that no more than two free alcoholic beverages are
made available to students at various ceremonies. Vouchers are numbered, dated and of
limited availability.
6. In the negotiation or planning of events that involve the consumption of alcohol, the event
organiser must acquire the assurance of the proprietor that they will adhere to the National
Alcohol Policy and state law in consumption of alcohol on their premises.
7. This policy should be made available to all students through our website, ditsu.ie.
Note:
The Students’ Union common areas are an alcohol free social zone, and DIT Students’ Union
have a zero tolerance level on this matter. We encourage our students to ensure this is the case
and to report all incidents to their local Students’ Union office.