Mannix College Alcohol Policy
1. Introduction
Mannix College exists to provide a living and learning environment in which residents will always act with the best interests of fellow residents in mind. Tolerance and respect for others and their rights and freedom should be a primary concern, as should their health and personal safety.
Mannix respects the rights of residents who are over the age of 18 years to consume alcohol within Mannix College or whilst at Mannix functions or events in a responsible and legal manner, on the understanding that the consumption of alcohol will not have a detrimental effect on the individual or the residential community.
See the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)’s alcohol guidelines (PDF)
Mannix endorses a policy of:
- information for residents;
- proactive policy and behavioural guidelines; and
- structured and consistent response to alcohol abuse in College
proactive policy and behavioural guidelines; and
Residents are expected to exercise maturity and community consciousness and accept personal responsibility for their own alcohol consumption, and show care and consideration for other members of the Mannix community impacted by their alcohol consumption.
Student Services and Resident Advisors in general will, through formal programs and communication, seek to ensure that residents are aware of the policies and procedures surrounding alcohol and are informed about the harms associated with excessive drinking.
Mannix will actively promote the safe consumption of alcohol to residents through policy implementation, awareness training and other means.
From time to time, Mannix (or individual residents) may organise or promote activities where alcohol is consumed. These may only take place under a BYO (Bring Your Own) arrangement or where alcohol is supplied by a licensed venue.
The Mannix College Alcohol Policy has been formulated to cover:
- The consumption of alcohol purchased and/or supplied by residents and/or their guests at approved functions held within Mannix College;
- The consumption of alcohol at offsite events approved by Mannix College (for example, events organised by the MCSS or RAs);
- The consumption of alcohol by residents outside any formal or endorsed residential programs whilst in Mannix College.
2. Principles
The Mannix College Alcohol Policy rests on the following principles:
2.1 Mannix seeks to ensure, as far as possible, that the benefits it provides are available to all residents on an equal basis;
2.2 Mannix acknowledges that there is a general social and legal tolerance of responsible drinking of alcohol by adults. Mannix also recognises the harmful physical, behavioural and social effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
2.3 Mannix College Senior Administration are authorised to determine where, when and if alcohol may be consumed by any person [including residents and their guests] in any area outside a resident’s own private bedroom. This includes but is not limited to: communal areas, Fitzgerald Private Dining Room, Alfresco Dining Area, Junior Common Room, Senior Common Room, Middle Common Room, Dining Hall, corridors, passageways, courtyards, sports court and gazebo, gardens and grounds and car parks.
2.4 Mannix requires individuals to accept responsibility for their behaviour and actions when they choose to drink, including when intoxicated. Residents and/or their guests must not be subjected to any pressure to drink, nor to drink more than they judge to be reasonable. Nor should they feel compelled to drink alcohol because no reasonable and attractive alternative is offered.
2.5 At a Mannix event, participants (including residents) should not ‘subsidise’ the cost of alcohol consumed by others.
2.6 Residents who display behaviour indicative of alcohol dependence and/or alcohol abuse may be required to participate in educational programs and discussions regarding the effects of alcohol use and abuse, in order to continue living in residence.
2.7 Residents and/or their guests must not engage in binge drinking and must refrain from promoting and/or participating in and/or encouraging drinking games.
2.8 Residents must not possess or consume alcohol if they are under the age of 18 years.
2.9 Residents over the age of 18 years must not supply alcohol to any person under the age of 18 years.
2.10 Intoxicated residents must not be supplied with more alcohol or permitted to consume more alcohol whilst at a Mannix function. The following items are not permitted at any time within Mannix College: kegs; alcoholic punch; any form or variation of drinking games; and any type of alcohol drinking apparatus which enables a person to consume large quantities of alcohol quickly
As part of this Alcohol Policy, Mannix has also adopted regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol at functions held within Mannix College which are aimed at minimising:
2.11 harm to the person who is drinking;
2.12 harm to persons around the person drinking;
2.13 damage to the property of individuals and of Mannix; and
2.14 damage to the good standing of Mannix in the University and the community.
3. Regulations
3.1 Functions held within Mannix College
The following regulations must be complied with at all times when alcohol is permitted and present at a Function held in Mannix College:
3.1.1 An event where alcohol is permitted at Mannix that is open to all residents may only be held if the Principal/Deputy Principal first approves the event as a Function. The event is then a Mannix sanctioned Function and is subject to these Regulations.
3.1.2 The guiding principle of the Mannix College Alcohol Policy applies, to ensure that excessive amounts of alcohol are not consumed at any Function. To this end, external bar staff are hired to serve alcohol sold to residents.
Mannix has prepared a “standard drink” calculator which can be used to assist in determining the appropriateness of the volume of alcohol brought into a Function (by the Mannix College Student Society).
3.1.3 The following regulations must be complied with at all times when alcohol is permitted and present at a Function held in Mannix College:
3.1.3.1 The Australian National Medical and Health Research Council Guidelines state that:
“On a single occasion of drinking, the risk of alcohol-related injury increases with the amount consumed. For healthy men and women, drinking no more than four (4) standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion.”
3.1.3.2 Residents attending a Function are not permitted to bring alcohol to the event or consume more than four (4) standard drinks of alcohol per person.
3.1.3.3 Alcohol must not be consumed by anyone under 18 years of age, and there must be a system in place to verify that drinkers at all such functions are not under-18 years of age.
3.1.4 The Principal or Deputy Principal has responsibility for monitoring resident compliance with these Regulations by:
3.1.4.1 Arranging for at least two MCSS Committee Members to be present at all times whilst the Function is in progress. The Committee Members will monitor the consumption of alcohol to check consumption adheres to these Regulations.
3.1.4.2 Nominating at least two MCSS Committee Members/Residents/Former Residents who have completed Responsible Service of Alcohol training who agree to abstain from consuming alcohol throughout the duration of the function. These nominated MCSS Committee members/residents/former residents will assist the Principal in ensuring adherence to the Mannix College Alcohol Policy.
3.1.4.3 ALL persons supervising and/or serving alcohol must have attended and completed a Responsible Serving of Alcohol training session.
3.1.4.4 An adequate and appropriate amount and type of food must be provided, having regard to normal mealtimes.
3.1.4.5 An adequate and appropriate amount and type of non-alcoholic drinks and/or soft drinks that are an appealing alternative to alcohol must be supplied at the Function.
3.1.4.6 Drinking water or a non-alcoholic alternative must be available at all times during the Function.
3.1.5 If the above Regulations are not adhered to at all times during the Function, the Principal or Deputy Principal will take appropriate action to either rectify the non-compliance and/or stop the Function. There is to be proactive enforcement of Mannix policies at Functions (being Mannix sanctioned events on Mannix premises) and not simply a reactive response to a breach.
3.2 Events organised or endorsed by Mannix and not held in Mannix College
It is understood that from time to time, Mannix College may hold an event offsite from Mannix property where alcohol maybe available. Where the Principal or Deputy Principal approves such an event to be held at a location situated outside Mannix College and immediate environs, the following rules apply:
3.2.1 The Principal or Deputy Principal will only approve the event if it is held at a venue with a current and valid liquor licence. Examples of events held off site may include but are not limited to: College Ball, Annual Dinner, Culture Crawls, Boat Cruises and activities organised by the MCSS which are endorsed/supported by the College Principal or Deputy Principal.
3.2.2 The following Regulations must be complied with when organising an event is held outside Mannix College:
3.2.2.1 The guiding principle of the Mannix College Alcohol Policy applies, to ensure that excessive amounts of alcohol are not consumed at any Function.
3.2.2.2 The excessive consumption of alcohol is not to be used or promoted as a draw card for the event, i.e. unlimited alcohol, cocktail nights (without entertainment), etc.
3.2.2.3 The Principal or Deputy Principal will only approve an event held outside Mannix College if it is held in a venue which has a current and valid liquor licence. The Principal or Deputy Principal should take reasonable steps to verify that the venue has a valid and current liquor licence before granting approval.
3.2.2.4 The lawful and responsible serving of alcohol at these events is the responsibility of the holder of the liquor licence at the venue or location. This includes ensuring persons under 18 years of age are not served alcohol.
3.2.2.5 Participants (including residents) should not ‘subsidise’ the cost of alcohol consumed by others.
3.2.2.6 The behaviour of residents at Mannix approved events will be treated as behaviour ‘whilst in residence’ and fall under the Mannix College Conditions of Residency.
3.3 Other consumption of alcohol by residents at Mannix
3.3.1 Mannix College respects the rights of residents who are over the age of 18 years to consume alcohol within Mannix College in a responsible and legal manner on the understanding that the consumption of alcohol will not have a detrimental effect on the individual or the residential community. The consumption of alcohol in common areas of Mannix at an organised event or party may only take place as either an approved Function (see part 1 of this policy) or an approved party (see section 4.6 of the Mannix College Conditions of Residency).
3.3.2 The consumption of alcohol outside of these approved activities is the responsibility of the individual residents and must comply with the Mannix College Conditions of Residency.
3.3.3 It is the responsibility of the Principal or Deputy Principal to ensure that any identified or reported breach of the Mannix College Conditions of Residency and/or Mannix Alcohol Policy which results from residents consuming alcohol or being intoxicated at Mannix College are dealt with efficiently and appropriately.
3.3.4 Residents who display characteristics of alcohol dependency/abuse will be dealt with giving due consideration for the welfare of the individual and College community.
3.4 Other Information
3.4.1 Level of Usage
3.4.1.1 Standard Drinks (STD): The use of standard drinks (STD) can help people to monitor their alcohol consumption and exercise control over the amount they drink. A standard drink is defined as one that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Different types of alcoholic drinks contain different amounts of pure alcohol. See information on what is a standard drink. Keep in mind that the “standard” size of drinks served in some hotels may be bigger than the standard measure of one unit of alcohol. Large wine glasses can hold two standard drinks or even more. Drinks served at home often contain more alcohol than a standard drink. Cocktails can contain as many as five or six standard drinks, depending on the recipe. See reference: ‘Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council – Alcohol guidelines: Reducing the health risks’
3.4.1.2 Alcohol has a complex role in Australian society. Most Australians drink alcohol, generally for enjoyment, relaxation and sociability, and do so at levels that cause few adverse effects. However, a substantial proportion of people drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related harm.
3.4.1.3 For some, alcohol is a cause of significant ill health and hardship. In many countries, including Australia, alcohol is responsible for a considerable burden of death, disease and injury. Alcohol-related harm to health is not limited to drinkers but also affects families, bystanders and the broader community.
3.4.1.4 NHMRC intends ‘Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol’ to establish the evidence base for future policies and community materials on reducing the health risks that arise from drinking alcohol. It is about helping you reduce the risks to your health from drinking alcohol.
3.4.1.5 Of course, how much you drink is your choice. But we hope these guidelines will help you make an informed choice and also help health agencies guide the community in reducing health risks.
4. Definitions
4.1 Function” or “function means an event open to all residents and held within Mannix College for which approval for the consumption of alcohol has been given by the Principal/Deputy Principal. A function does not include:
4.1.1 an event sanctioned by the Principal which is held at a venue which has a current and valid liquor licence;
4.1.2 an informal or impromptu gathering of residents in a resident’s room;
4.1.3 an approved gathering for a ‘party’ for a specific group of residents and guests (as per section 5.14.8.3 Mannix College Conditions of Residency) … [Residents must] obtain permission from the Principal (which may or may not be granted at the Principal’s absolute discretion) prior to having a party or gathering and if granted, pay all costs associated with the party or function, including costs incurred by Mannix where Mannix’s costs may include but are not limited to items such as security, personnel, cleaning, rubbish removal, repairs, catering etc …;
4.2 Principal means the person occupying or acting in the position of College Principal of Mannix College from time to time, or his/her nominee.
4.3 Resident” or “resident means anyone occupying or at any time staying in (whether it is for one night or longer) Mannix College and without limitation, includes students, staff, guests, visitors, conference delegates and other persons.
4.4 MCSS means the Mannix College Student Society.
Last updated 16 December 2021