Liquor Licence Act (Ontario, Canada)
To encourage the responsible use of alcohol on campus. The University of Guelph is committed to providing and maintaining an environment that minimizes the extent to which the consumption of alcohol on campus harms members of the University community and/or disrupts the teaching, learning, and living environment.
The University recognizes the unique social needs of a campus community and is committed to providing an environment where a social culture can reasonably be cultivated. In this regard, provision for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages on campus is a privilege accorded only to the extent that there is compliance with all internal regulations and statutory requirements.
The University's goals with respect to alcohol use proceed from its commitment to the development of self-responsibility and respect for others. While the University is concerned for the welfare of its members, alcohol use is primarily the responsibility of individuals. All members of the University community have an obligation to use alcohol responsibly and legally.
The University will:
The authority and responsibility for the administration and implementation of this policy is assigned to holders of the liquor licences, and ultimately to the University's Liquor Licence Administrator. The present on-campus liquor licence holders include: the Graduate Lounge (Graduate Students' Association); the Brass Taps (University Centre); the Bullring (Central Student Association); and Hospitality Services (the University of Guelph). This policy will be reviewed no less than once every five years by the Alcohol Safety Committee.
Service practices in licensed venues in the Province of Ontario are prescribed in the regulations set out in the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario, which can be reviewed by visiting the Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. [1] All licensed facilities will serve alcohol in a manner that does not violate these regulations.
In addition, the University, in an attempt to reduce risk and create responsible drinking practices has prescribed certain service practices for its facilities serving alcohol on campus that go beyond the limits imposed by the Liquor Licence Act . The following is an outline of on-campus service practices:
The distribution of any advertising materials on University property is prohibited unless approved in advance by the University Solicitations Committee. Specific regulations can be reviewed by visiting the On Campus Advertising, Promotion, Sales and Solicitations Policy [2]. In addition, all advertising in licensed establishments must conform to the regulations contained within the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario - Liquor Advertising Guidelines.
Advertising of alcohol can be seen as occurring in three distinct segments of the University environment: licensed establishments, nonlicensed areas, and Student Housing Services.
3.1. Licensed Establishments:
All advertising in licensed establishments must conform to the regulations set out in the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario, and within applicable University policies.
3.2. Nonlicensed Areas:
Manufacturer sponsorship with respect to the announcement of events via materials or mediums that promote the event will not be permitted. Manufacturer sponsorship of activities such as, but not limited to, player of the game will not be allowed. Promotion at events must be responsible, in good taste, and will not promote alcohol as the focus of the event.
Promotion of alcohol beverages in any medium will not be allowed outside of licensed establishments or events. The blatant promotion of alcohol as the focus of an event is prohibited (Bash, Drunk, etc.) in any medium.
Promotion in any medium reflecting manufacturer branding, logo or other advertising will not be allowed outside of licensed establishments and/or events.
The policies of Student Housing Services must meet the standards described in this policy, and it is within its authority to introduce additional policies unique to the residential environment. Alcohol practices in student housing are prescribed in the regulations set out in its policy, which can be reviewed by visiting the Student Housing Alcohol Policy - PDF [3].
Special events are held in various locations on campus including but not restricted to, Peter Clark Hall, Creelman Hall, the Athletic Centre, Twin Pad Arena and Johnston Green. These activities may fall into a riskier classification because of size, or nature of the venue and must adhere to the following policies:
All University of Guelph staff involved in the service of alcoholic beverages must be Smart Serve trained as per the Liquor Licence Act
All University of Guelph staff involved in security in licensed areas must have a licensed security certification.
Disciplinary Guidelines for Facilities Operated On the University of Guelph Campus
Guidelines have been established and disciplinary action will be taken against persons contravening the Liquor Licence Act or University of Guelph Liquor Policies while present or attempting to gain access to any licensed establishments on campus.
The sound judgement of management and staff will be honoured and each behavioural problem, while in the facility, will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Section A outlines the various infractions a patron might commit and the suggested action facility managers should consider.
These are broken into three distinct situations:
The following is a list of actions by patrons that might expose the patron to disciplinary action.
1) Upon entering facility or licensed facility, a patron:
Appropriate responses by facility management based on the situation and the severity of the infraction (not restricted to one):
2) While in a licensed facility, a patron:
Appropriate responses by facility management based on the situation and the severity of the infraction (not restricted to one):
3) While leaving a licensed facility, a patron:
Appropriate response by facility management based on the situation and severity of the action (not limited to one):
High-Risk Alcoholic Beverages Events on campus and the need for Security Services
The Alcoholic Beverages Policy stipulates the following: all special events that are determined high-risk require additional security. The following information is to be used as a guide to determine the level of risk associated with an on campus event that includes the services of alcoholic beverages.
The following criteria are used for determining the riskiness of an event;
Events that occur in a high-risk venue, with any of the above-listed risk characteristics, must be reviewed to determine if it is deemed “high-risk”. Event planners or hosts can ask for a review of an event, which is not in a high-risk venue but which presents some concerns.
The Operators Group will review events and determine if it is assessed as High-Risk. The Operators Group consists of the Director of Campus Community Police, Fire Prevention and Parking Services, the Director of the University Centre, the Executive Director of Hospitality Services. In this way, all events will be assessed by the same group of individuals, and treated in a similar manner.
As per the Alcohol Policy, all special events that are determined high-risk will require additional security. The Director of Campus Community Police, Fire Prevention and Parking Services, in consultation with the City of Guelph Police, will determine the security requirements.
While one event in itself may not be deemed high risk, if a number of events are occurring on campus the same night, there could be security concerns for Campus Community Police, Fire Prevention and Parking Services. It is recommended that Campus Community Police, Fire Prevention and Parking Services receive copies of all events that are being planned on-campus.