Alcohol Policy 

The Office of Student Life, recognising the place of moderate alcohol consumption in many areas of society, considers it important to create an environment which promotes a sensible attitude to the consumption of alcoholic drink by students, accepting the potential of alcohol abuse to adversely affect students’ well-being, academic achievement and lifestyle. This policy adheres to the guidelines contained in the National Alcohol Policy (1996) and was formulated and adopted by the Office of Student Life in 2009.

The specific objectives of this policy include:

• Promoting the health and well being of students.
• Promoting personal responsibility and social obligation to the campus community, and to the local community
• Enhancing a campus environment where low-risk drinking is the “social norm”.
• Promoting low-risk drinking and discouraging high-risk drinking
• Providing an atmosphere free from pressure to drink for those who choose not to drink.
• Providing alcohol-related information and education for all students.
• Supporting and promoting alternatives to drinking thus creating choice and a balanced social programme.

Individual students, student Clubs and Societies, the SU and other student groups have responsibilities to ensure that the health of students, their ability to study and engage in extra curricular activities and their academic environment is not adversely affected by the use of alcohol. To this end the following regulations apply:

• Advertising for events must not emphasise the availability of alcohol
• Consumption of alcohol in public places on campus is prohibited
• Receptions or functions providing free alcoholic drinks must also provide free soft drinks and no more than two free alcoholic drinks must be made available to any member
• Being under the influence of alcohol will not excuse a student’s behaviour or exempt them from disciplinary procedures.

Student Alcohol Policy Guidelines

Controls with respect to advertising, promotions & sponsorship:

• Recruitment by student Societies and Clubs during Clubs and Socs Days should not identify access to free or cheap alcohol as a primary incentive to membership.
• The advertisement of specific events by student Societies/Clubs should not identify access to free or cheap alcohol as a primary incentive to attendance.
• No events should be organised which encourage the rapid consumption of alcohol, nor should alcohol be awarded as a prize or reward for competitive events.
• The Office of Student Life will encourage the Students’ Union and Clubs and Societies to develop and promote alcohol-free programmes involving cultural, social and entertainment activities for students 
• All forms of advertising must be in compliance with the Student Alcohol Policy and should adhere the to DCU’s Poster Policy.   In this respect, the University complies with the guidelines contained in the National Alcohol Policy.

• Student clubs and societies that have as their main focus or indicate by the name of the society their main activity to be the consumption of alcohol, may not receive funding and will not be recognised as a society/club.

• Sponsorship by the drinks industry of events is permissible provided the sponsorship is primarily in monetary form and not product material form, thus allowing groups, clubs and societies to determine their own needs. (National Alcohol Policy, 1996).

• Alcohol advertising and promotions on campus are limited to the advertising of brand names of beer, stout, spirits or the name of the manufacturers. The Alcohol brand names should not be the main focus of the poster.

• In order to ensure DCU’s policy of not more than two free alcoholic beverages per person a closely-monitored voucher system must apply. All vouchers should be date stamped and there should be a limited number available. 

• In the negotiating or planning of off- campus events that involve the consumption of alcohol, the event organiser must acquire the assurance of the proprietor that they will adhere to the National Alcohol Policy and state law in consumption of alcohol on their premises. 

• The National Alcohol Policy and the Office of Student Life Alcohol Policy should be made available on dcusu.ie 

• The Office of Student Life Student Alcohol Policy should be included in the students’ handbook and should be part of the student induction programme.