1.1 Consumption of alcohol in The Kensington Colleges must be seen in the wider context of a community recognition and concern about the harmful physical, behavioural and social effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

1.2 The Kensington Colleges is a living and learning environment where every resident must be considerate and respectful of the needs of others, especially in the pursuit of their educational goals.

1.3 The Kensington Colleges recognises that there is social and legal recognition of responsible consumption of alcohol by adults. In accordance with this, it has developed an alcohol policy in consultation with residents. It is the responsibility of residents to ensure that everything is done to minimise the harmful effects of alcohol and that this Policy is adhered to and enforced.

1.4 Resident activities conducted on the University campus are covered by relevant Commonwealth and State laws, the University policies and procedures and The Kensington Colleges own policies and procedures, including its statement of Vision, Mission and Values. Residents should be mindful that this includes breach of the University Student Code of Conduct and may lead to expulsion from the University.

2.1 Responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted in The Kensington Colleges. ‘Responsible consumption’ means drinking in moderation within the limits prescribed in clause 3 below. Subject to this requirement:

2.1.1 Individual residents are permitted to have and consume alcohol in their rooms.

2.1.2 Individual and casual group drinking is permitted in common areas.

2.1.3 Other than in residents’ rooms, alcohol may only be consumed after 11pm in designated common areas determined by the House Committee of each College and which meet the approval of that Colleges’ Head.

2.2 Each College may determine more particular requirements in relation to the responsible consumption of alcohol in designated common areas not inconsistent with this Policy.

2.3 Residents who prefer not to drink will be supported.

2.4 Licensed events must be held in accordance with this policy.

2.5 BYO events are permitted, but should be considered as exceptions and must generally reflect the requirements of licensed events including the responsible service of alcohol.

2.6 Drinking must not interfere with the interests and welfare of others, damage property or bring the reputation of the Colleges or the University into disrepute.

2.7 Any behaviour that causes harm to individuals, property or the reputation of the Colleges or University is unacceptable. This includes any form of harassment and behaviour that interferes with the reasonable expectation of an environment conducive to study and to sleep or that disregards the appropriate responsibilities and strategies for conducting events and functions.

2.8 Functions and events that occur within The Kensington Colleges and that involve the expenditure of House Funds in relation to alcohol will be licensed.

2.9 No events or gatherings involving alcohol will be held in the Colleges during ‘stuvac’ or examination periods.

3.1 Residents under the age of 18 must not consume alcohol.

3.2 Residents will not drink with the aim of becoming intoxicated.

3.3 Residents who are intoxicated will not continue drinking.

3.4 Residents and staff must not provide or serve alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated.

3.5 Residents must not be subjected to any unreasonable pressure to drink.

3.6 Drinking games/competitions are banned within The Kensington Colleges and its precincts.

3.7 Any forms of "bastardisation" are unacceptable and may be illegal. Perpetrators may be referred to the police for appropriate action as well as dealt with in accordance with University policies and procedures.

3.8 In all areas (including residents’ rooms) and at all times, unreasonable behaviour (e.g. excessive noise) that disturbs or interferes with others is inconsiderate and unacceptable.

4.1 Visitors, including ex-residents, to The Kensington Colleges are subject to the Policy.

4.2 Residents are responsible for ensuring that visitors comply with the Policy.

5.1 No event is to advertise or promote the provision of an unlimited amount of alcohol (e.g. "all you can drink").

5.2 Sponsorship of TKC/individual college events must be in accord with the policies and rules of the University and approved by the Principal/Heads of Colleges.

6.1 All events involving the supply and/or service of alcohol within The Kensington Colleges are to be licensed in accordance with the liquor licensing laws.

6.2 The Caterer for The Kensington Colleges (currently Alliance) holds a liquor licence for the purposes of complying with the law in regard to the management of The Kensington Colleges functions involving the service of alcohol.

6.3 Requests for licensed events must be prepared and submitted in the form of a ‘Management of (Licensed) Events Form’ and in a timely way that allows for the final approval to be given no later than 3 weeks prior to the event. The Management of Events Form must contain the following information:

6.3.1 Approval of the Head of College and the Licensee. Approval by the Head of College will include confirmation that the appropriate administrative arrangements in accordance with this Policy are in place.

6.3.2 Variation to the timing of submission for approval may be revised from time to time.

6.3.3 Names of at least two (2) people involved in the organisation of the function who are to abstain from drinking alcohol and assist the licensee in the management of the event;

6.4 Management will provide organisers with a copy of the approved ‘Management of Events Form’, the receipt of which is the final authority for the organisers to proceed with the event.

7.1 BYO events are gatherings within TKC to which residents bring alcohol for their own consumption.
7.1.1 A BYO event is any event involving the consumption of alcohol by residents that is (a) organised, and (b) promoted/ advertised.

7.1.2 BYO events do not include informal gatherings at which residents consume their own alcohol. Such gatherings will be private (i.e. not in any way promoted or advertised), normally relatively small (such that it causes no disturbances to the College), and will comply with standards of conduct specified in the TKC Alcohol Policy and Standards of Conduct Policy.

7.1.3 Residents will not supply privately produced and/or mixed alcoholic drinks to other residents at BYO events.

7.2 Requests for BYO events must be prepared and submitted in the form of a ‘Management of (BYO) Events Form’ and in a timely way that allows for the final approval to be given no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. The Management of Events Form must contain the following information:

7.2.1 Approval by the Head of College and the Business Manager.

7.2.2 Designated Function Officer who is responsible for the conduct of the event and who liaises with the duty tutor and/or security if necessary.

7.2.3 Details of notice to Security and/or confirmation of security employed.

7.2.4 Names of at least 2 responsible members of particular College who will be present at the event and will not drink alcohol and are able to assist in supervision.

7.2.5 Start and finishing times which must be advertised and adhered to.

7.2.6 Arrangements for the closing of the event.

7.2.7 Arrangements for adequate amounts and variety of food and non-alcoholic drink (including water).

7.2.8 Arrangements for cleaning-up immediately at the conclusion of the event.

8.1 Breaches of the Alcohol Policy will be managed under the provisions of the TKC Conduct Policy.

8.2 In the event of a breach of the Alcohol Policy by a House/House Committee the Head of College will normally consult the Colleges’ Executive Team. The range of responses available include:

8.2.1 A reprimand to the House
8.2.2 Imposition of a probationary period
8.2.3 A fine to be paid by the House
8.2.4 Cancellation of a House function or functions

Following consultation, the Executive may determine that one or more of the following is warranted:

8.2.5 Disciplinary action against individual members of the House/House Committee
8.2.6 An alcohol ban in the College concerned
8.2.7 An alcohol ban across the three Colleges

9.1 A College ‘Social Event with Alcohol’ Calendar will be maintained and up-dated from year to year.

9.2 Those responsible for organising and managing events must ensure that this Policy and the Management Events Plan are adhered to.

9.3 All members of The Kensington Colleges have responsibility for ensuring that residents of their obligation to be considerate, to live in harmony with one another and to meet their responsibilities under the TKC Alcohol Policy.

9.4 The Head and RAS in each college are authorised to secure compliance with the requirements of this Alcohol Policy and, if necessary, discontinue any event involving the consumption of alcohol.

9.5 The House and Community Relations Committees will continue to exercise a role in seeking to resolve difficulties and to advise/make recommendations to the Head in relation to the consequences of misconduct arising from the consumption of alcohol.

9.6 Costs of cleaning and repairs or replacement of damaged property will be borne by those who are directly responsible for the mess or damage. If these people cannot be identified the House may be charged.

9.7 All due care must be taken in the organisation of events/functions that are held off campus. If organised by/in the name of The Kensington Colleges or of a particular College, then the event is the responsibility of the Colleges/College, and must comply with RSA requirements.

9.8 The Heads will report to the Principal on the operation of the TKC Alcohol Policy at the end of each semester. The Principal will report on the operation of the TKC Alcohol Policy to the appropriate University Officer.
9.9 The Policy Advisory Board will evaluate the Alcohol Policy at least annually.

Rvsd. (PAB) November 2006