University of Toronto
Governing Council
Alcohol Policy
June 26, 2003
To request an official copy of this policy, contact:
The Office of the Governing Council
Room 106, Simcoe Hall
27 King’s College Circle
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A1
Phone: 416-978-6576
Fax: 416-978-8182
E-mail: governing.council@utoronto.ca
Website: http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/
Alcohol Policy
(The University Affairs Board last revised the existing Campus Alcohol Policy on February 13, 1990)
Preamble
Alcohol issues on campus are a shared responsibility. While the choice to use or not use alcohol is an individual one, the licensed and informal activities associated with alcohol use are an institutional responsibility. The University takes the position that all its members, including students, have an obligation to make legal and responsible decisions concerning their conduct and alcohol use or non-use. The University will intervene when alcohol is used illegally or when its abuse leads to conduct that endangers the individual(s) involved or others, or that results in damage to the property of the University, disrupts its activities, or interferes with the rights of other persons.
The University is responsible for the effective implementation of this policy. The University Alcohol Advisory Committee shall be a key resource to the University in discharging its responsibilities. It will meet at least annually, to review the policies and procedures regarding alcohol service and education at the University of Toronto. This committee will continue to review best practices regarding alcohol service, educational initiatives and risk management, review educational programs directed to all members of the University community, and determine levels of training for individuals involved in the service of alcohol or in monitoring events at which alcohol is served.
1. Licensing and Regulations
- The University has a legal obligation to manage alcohol use on campus in a way that is consistent with the terms of its liquor licences and other applicable legislation, that protects the safety of individuals, and that protects the University from liability with respect to alcohol-related incidents.
- Liquor licence holders at the University shall meet periodically as necessary to ensure a consistent approach to alcohol service and management.
- Regulations and practices concerning alcohol service will be developed in the context of the Liquor Licence Act and Regulations in consultation with users, and will be realistic, clearly articulated in writing and widely circulated on campus, especially to those who are responsible for facilities where alcohol is served on campus.
- Regulations and policies concerning the sale and consumption of alcohol at the University of Toronto shall apply equally to all members of the University community.
2. Alcohol Service
- The University has a legal obligation to manage alcohol use on campus in a way that is consistent with the terms of its liquor licences and other applicable legislation, that protects the safety of individuals, and that protects the University from liability with respect to alcohol-related incidents.
- Residences shall have and maintain procedures consistent with legislation, this policy and University regulations concerning the service of alcohol, including restriction of consumption in public spaces, policies regarding private parties, and policies regarding educational efforts to promote responsible consumption of alcohol.
- Only individuals who have successfully completed the University’s Server Training Program as certified by Ancillary Services or an acceptable certified training program approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario shall undertake all service of alcohol on University property.
- Alcohol shall never be served to any person under the legal drinking age. Any event or activity involving the sale of alcohol at which under-age persons are expected to attend shall employ control procedures to ensure that no underage drinking takes place. Alcohol shall never be served to an intoxicated individual.
- Any advertisements for events or activities at which alcohol is served shall abide by relevant legislation and University policies; mention of alcohol on such materials shall be restricted to the information that the event is licensed.
3. Alcohol Education
- The University should take steps to encourage responsible decision-making about using and not using alcohol by its members by offering educational programs both in alcohol awareness and in serving practices.
- Educational programs regarding alcohol should be widely disseminated to the University community and should focus on harm reduction and appropriate decisions concerning the use of alcohol.
- Alcohol education programs should be developed in consultation with members of the University Alcohol Advisory Committee and members of relevant University community groups, including major event organizers.
- Student training sessions such as event planning for residence don training, leadership training and orientation coordinator and leader training should all include information about alcohol, server intervention, harm reduction and safety awareness.
June 26, 2003