Alcohol management key to successful events

“Managing the sale and availability of alcohol is the key to having a successful large event”, says ALAC’s environments and settings manager Andrew Galloway.

“You don’t need to look far for festivals and stadium events that had made headlines in a negative way. For some people drinking to get drunk is an accepted behaviour at these events. This can have negative consequences for themselves, their families or other people who want to enjoy the event.”

“The way that alcohol is consumed at large events can send powerful messages about the acceptability (or otherwise) of alcohol-related behaviour. Alcohol can be a part of event festivities, as long as it is managed well,” said Mr Galloway.

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) has released new guidelines for managing alcohol at large scale events, such as sporting encounters or music and food festivals.

“We encourage managers to use the guidelines in their planning for events such as the Rugby World Cup festivities, as well as other large events that happen year round.

“The guidelines are a tool to help people plan the event. They are also to help licensing staff set conditions for the event’s licence that are appropriate to the level of risk the event creates,” said Mr Galloway.

The updated guidelines were developed by ALAC in partnership with the Police, and involved consultation with a wide range of stakeholders to explore the consistent application and enforcement of the guidelines.

The group comprised representatives from district licensing agencies (DLAs), New Zealand Police, public health services and the security industry.

The guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive, but provide simple and useful advice, guidance and recommendations for people planning alcohol management at large events.

Examples of recommendations include: the use of plastic containers, rather than glass or cans; limiting the amount anyone can purchase at one time to two standard drinks; promoting and having available non-alcoholic drinks, and substantial food; and providing free water.

The guidelines are available on www.alac.org.nz , click on http://www.alac.org.nz/DBTextworks/PDF/large_events.pdf