1. Procedure statement
The Royal
Children's Hospital (RCH) is committed to the provision of a safe and healthy work
environment for all patients, families, staff, contractors and visitors. This
includes the consumption of and safe serving of alcohol on premises, to which
this procedure applies.
2. Scope
This procedure applies to all hospital staff,
volunteers, retail outlets, students, patients and visitors.
3. Definitions
‘Premises’ is defined as – all
RCH sites and areas, including the Ella Latham Auditorium, the University of
Melbourne at RCH and the Health Education and Learning precinct where there is no clinical activity at the time and the
appropriate catering and other safety requirements are in place
4. Procedure details
4.1. Consumption
4.1.1
The consumption of alcohol is not permitted in any
area where clinical activity is being undertaken, parent accommodation areas or
ward based parent retreats.
4.1.2
The consumption of alcohol will only be permitted
in areas where no clinical activity is being undertaken at the time of the
event, provided that area is also appropriate in terms of catering, safety and
other requirements. This will require approval as outlined below.
4.2 Serving
4.2.1
No unlicensed retail outlet at the RCH are
permitted to sell or serve alcohol.
4.2.2 The serving of alcohol will only be permitted in
areas where no clinical activity is being undertaken at the time of the event,
provided that area is also appropriate in terms of catering, safety and other
requirements.
4.3
Requesting
approval
4.3.1 To request approval for the consumption and serving
of alcohol on premises, the organiser must complete the Request to Serve Alcohol Application Form - Revised 2021 and forward this to their
Divisional Executive Director.
4.3.2
If the Divisional Executive Director endorses the
application, they will forward this to the Chief Executive Officer for review.
4.4
Decision
4.4.1 When reviewing the application, the Divisional
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer will consider all matters
relevant, including whether the area proposed is suitable and whether a liquor
licence may be required.
4.4.1.1 The decision maker may
liaise with the Legal Team to determine, if based on the information provided,
a licence to serve alcohol may be required.
Note: A
limited (temporary) liquor licence will always be required where the supply of
liquor is contingent upon the sale or purchase of some good or service (such as
where an admission fee is charged to the event).
4.4.1.2 If a liquor licence is
required, you will be advised of this by either the Divisional Director or
Chief Executive Officer.
4.4.1.3 Do not take steps to
obtain a limited licence, whilst awaiting approval from the Divisional
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.
4.4.1.4 If a licence is not
required, the Divisional Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer will
advise you of this and in addition if you require trained servers of alcohol or
not.
4.4.1.5 If a licence is required
you will be advised of when to apply for this. Some types of
liquor licences require or recommend that any persons serving alcohol are
trained in the responsible serving of alcohol. If such a licence is required, it
should stipulate such conditions. If it is unclear, when/if the licence is granted, you should
consult with the RCH Legal Team for further advice.
4.4.2
Following review, the Divisional Executive Director
and Chief Executive Officer will either approve, reject or recommend that
further information or steps be taken (such as applying for any relevant liquor
licence, where applicable).
4.5
Breach of this
procedure
4.5.1
Any breach of this procedure by RCH staff may lead
to disciplinary action in accord with the RCH procedures.
5. Related Policies
6. References