What is it?
Regulation of alcohol availability refers to limiting the campus contexts in which alcohol is accessible, and, within those situations, insisting on monitoring practices by dispensers/organizers that cut down on the drinking behaviours that are risky, harmful (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) or illegal.
There are three key campus-based areas where measures to regulate the availability of alcohol may apply:
Level of research support: Strong evidence of effectiveness
Why do it?
Impact on students: Strictly enforced regulations make it difficult for minors to access and consume alcohol, and deter legal-age students from engaging in hazardous drinking behaviours that may lead to physical injury from fights or falls, unplanned or unwanted sexual activity, problems with security/police, and, over time, poor academic performance. Students who don’t drink at risky levels also benefit as regulations protect them from suffering harm as a result of other students’ alcohol misuse.
Impact on campus environment: On a campus with clearly defined and strictly enforced alcohol regulations, students come to expect higher standards of behaviour for themselves and others. The atmosphere becomes one of respect rather than simply one of compliance. What’s more, establishments that serve liquor become more conscious of the possibility of having their liquor licensing suspended for breaches, and take more steps to make their premises comfortable for all patrons, including non-drinkers.
Cost: Costs to implement regulation of availability are minimal on the policy level, though there will be some costs associated with enforcement and the promotion of regulations, depending on the size and scope of the measures an institution chooses. In the end, however, campuses save money as in time there will be less infrastructure needed to deal with alcohol-related incidents and manage complaints, less risk of liabilities, and in the case of bars and events, potentially more income generated from the increase in patrons who either don’t drink at all or drink lightly.
Who is it for?
Who can facilitate it?
How can we implement it?
On-campus bars, lounges and other licensed premises
Regulating availablity in this context means implementing constraints that require a licensed establishment to comply with both government-imposed demands (e.g., Serving It Right) and institutional stances regarding hours of operation, sufficient staffing to ensure order and security, and maintenance of clean, well-lit, spacious, and otherwise safe and comfortable conditions for the facility itself.
Note: There is much to be gained in establishing a collaborative approach with campus pub management. Besides encouraging better adherence to stipulated measures, such a cooperative relationship can also support other features to improve prospects for safe consumption experiences (e.g., good lighting, adequate space for smooth passage and exit, good vantage points for observation, comfortable seating, proper ventilation, clean washrooms). These features may also enhance the attractiveness of the establishment for all types of patrons.
Organized campus events with commercial distribution of alcohol
Regulation of availability in this context means implementing policies that designate approved locations for events and stipulate specific alcohol-related terms to ensure both student safety and campus harmony. These terms could include some or all of the following:
In the case of more formal (and especially in subsidized) events, allotting a modest amount of pre-issued beverage tickets has proven to help keep service and consumption within appropriate bounds.
Student residence parties and other informal student gatherings where alcohol is served/consumed
Regulating access in this context could mean specifying sites where consumption is permitted and putting constraints on the amount (or the container size) of alcohol allowed. For example, beer kegs could be prohibited or require registration. It may also mean putting in place requirements regarding general conduct expectations and responsibilities (e.g., orderly behaviour, noise constraints, liability for damage). With strong enforcement becoming less feasible in smaller-sized social situations, it becomes more difficult to eliminate high-risk behaviours (such as drinking games), but regulations and surveillance should be rigorous enough to discourage their uptake.
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