Students Propose Alcohol Code of Conduct

The Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) is proposing that the Otago University Council adopt guidelines on Tuesday promoting safe and responsible use of alcohol on campus. The initiative, which has the support of the Dunedin Alcohol Partnership and the Public Health Service, is a response to the new Alcohol Legislation that took effect this month. Students are hoping that by making clear the University’s support for a safe and dependable drinking environment they can create an atmosphere of similar reliability among those stakeholders in north Dunedin who have a similar reliance upon students for their business.

“I hope this proposal generates some debate about the cultural approach which we are people within the University environment, adopt towards alcohol.” Said OUSA President, Steve Day. “Orientation 2000 is just around the corner and we believe that it can be the most enjoyable and safest yet.”

“We believe this will further break down the boozy and irresponsible stereotype with which students are often labeled. This is another step we can take to show that students, staff and friends of the University do have concern for the health of themselves and others.”

For More Information Please Contact:

Steve Day

OUSA President

03 479 5333 (w)

021 345 368 (cell)

Attached is the Proposed Code of Conduct:

THE TEN or eleven GUIDE LINES

1 Promotions:

a) No promotion of excessive drinking or inebriation.

b) No targeting specific sectors of society such as young women or beautiful people.

c) Active promotion of healthy alternatives to alcohol.

2 Safe Sex

a) Active promotion of people’s right not to have sex.

b) Readily available protection for those who choose to have sex.

c) Posters warning of the implications of sex (viruses, unwanted pregnancies, etc) in all venues.

3 Transport

a) Cheap and accessible shared transport from all venues to people’s door.

b) Drivers of both genders who are trained to support people who are feeling unsafe. (During Orientation OUSA provides a free van for such a purpose in conjunction with the University.)

4 Food

a) Cheap, readily available, well promoted and healthy/solid food available for all patrons at venues where alcohol is being consumed (food that encourages drinking such as salty peanuts is not an acceptable alternative)

5 Non Alcoholic Alternatives

a) Active promotion of non-alcoholic drinks.

b) Free water available and visible to all patrons

c) Non alcoholic drinks to be cheaper that alcoholic drinks

6 Bar Staff

a) Protection for bar staff from unwanted harassment and drunken behavior.

b) Adequate training in preventing harassment and supporting those who are feeling unsafe.

c) Staff not to wear deliberately skimpy or provocative outfits (especially when they are promoting specific alcohol deals)

d) Venues not to be overcrowded or intimidatingly full of patrons.

e) Gender equity among door staff (more females).

7 Harassment

a) An active anti harassment scheme that protects all venue patrons. Such a scheme should involve posters, well trained staff, contact people, and quiet spaces in venues.

8 Groups

a) Active encouragement that people arrive and stay in groups throughout the night

b) Support for those who are leaving venues alone.

9 Fun

a) Entertainment, events and competitions that are not focused around alcohol.

10 Tickets

a) Tickets to functions should not include alcohol in their price or offer open bars.

11 Orientation

a) Specific focus on getting this right during the Orientation period when many new first years are in town and drinking for the first time. If we establish the right attitudes early then they can carry over through out the year with less effort

Visible education and information available for first time drinkers on safe drinking

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