Tuesday 23rd January 2007
The PCC should set policies appropriate to the kind of event or activity which is being organized. Different arrangements will be needed according to the type of event; for example, a Harvest Supper, where there are many adults and most young people are with their parents, needs different arrangements from a residential stay, where a group of young people is supervised by youth leaders.
Alcohol: legal requirements
If alcohol is to be sold, a licence is required. For the majority of events in churches and church halls which are likely to be considered, a temporary event notice may be appropriate. These are available from licensing authorities (district councils and unitary authorities). Where a licence is granted, alcohol may not be sold to people under the age of 18, nor may they be supplied with it or consume it. There is an exception where the consumption is to be on the premises, where the young person is aged 16 or 17, and is accompanied by an adult and is having a table meal. The only alcohol they are allowed to consume is wine, beer or cider. A person under 18 can work as a waiter or waitress and deliver drinks to the table. People under 16 may attend, though conditions may be imposed if desirable or necessary. For further details consult the local authority Licensing Officer, or your insurance company, or see the Licensing Act 2003 and its associated guidance.
Alcohol: good practice
If alcohol is provided but not sold, no licence is needed. However, it would be sensible to consider following the same restrictions as in the guidance, namely no alcohol for people under 18, with the same relaxation for 16 and 17 year olds having meals with an adult. This has the advantage of being consistent with what young people expect elsewhere. It is in order to ask for proof of identity if a person appears to be under 18.
At youth groups and activity events with young people neither youth leaders nor young people should consume alcohol. This also applies on residential trips when youth leaders are not on duty. Youth leaders are reminded that they are role models for young people at all times.
Drugs: good practice
Any necessary medication, whether prescribed or off the shelf from a pharmacy, should be noted on the parental consent form.
Use of illegal drugs on the premises or on organized trips is not permitted. If a young person is suspected of carrying drugs, they may be asked to turn out their pockets, but personal searches are not appropriate. Instead, the police should be contacted.
Illegal drugs will be confiscated and either disposed of immediately or passed to the police. Two staff members should be involved. Details should be recorded in the incident book.
Anyone whose behaviour is disruptive due to alcohol or drugs will be challenged and may be asked to leave. Consideration should be given to contacting parents.
Smoking: legal requirements
From summer 2007 smoking will be illegal in any enclosed public premises.
There is no minimum age limit for smoking, although those under 16 are not permitted to buy tobacco products. This will rise to age 18 in October 2007.
Smoking: good practice
It is never appropriate for adults to smoke in the presence of young people.
Young people who are smokers should be advised of a designated area away from others. On residentials it is appropriate to include a question on smoking on the parental consent form to establish parental knowledge of the young person’s habit.
Passive smoking (being in the presence of smokers) is a health hazard.
Hire of premises
Establish whether or not alcohol is to be sold at the event. If it is, the hirer is responsible for applying for a temporary event notice, which should be seen by a PCC representative before the event.
Consider whether conditions need to be imposed on the involvement of young people in the event.
Appropriate conditions should be incorporated as necessary in hire agreements.
Stephen Barber
Child Protection Adviser
Diocese of Oxford
2 January 2007