Alcohol and schools

Exposure to adult drinking in childhood increases the risk of hazardous drinking by rangatahi (young person). Rangatahi drinking patterns not only mirror those of their parents and caregivers, but also that of their community. It is because of this Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora believes alcohol and schools do not mix.

We recommend that all schools have an alcohol policy so everyone is clear about if and when alcohol will be made available on your premises or at school events.

Schools have an obligation to provide a safe environment for their students. Increasing access to and availability of alcohol is a key driver in increasing alcohol harm in our community. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora feels very strongly that alcohol should not be on school grounds when tamariki are present. Allowing alcohol to be sold or promoted where tamariki are present further normalises alcohol use in everyday settings. Normalisation has led to the acceptance of excessive consumption.

Points to consider

• Does having alcohol available on school premises or at school events have any benefit to our school community?
• Does it have any benefit to the children in our community?
• How does our school or educational setting contribute to reducing alcohol harm in our community?
• What example do we want to set for our children and community?
• How can we support the intention of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012?

Prompts for developing your school alcohol policy

• How does your school or educational facility promote a healthy and safe environment in relation to alcohol?
• If alcohol is provided or consumed, are the key principles of Host Responsibility followed?
  Host responsibility — Amohia Te Waiora (external link)
• Is alcohol consumed when adults or staff have responsibility for student welfare?
• Will alcohol be permitted at times of the day or week when students are not on school grounds? Will it be provided if students are present?
• Is alcohol permitted at staff social functions at school? If alcohol is available, are non-alcoholic drinks, water, and food also available? Are adults asked to drink sensibly and moderately? Is alcohol served to or by students?
• Is alcohol sold on the school property for the purposes of raising money where minors have access to alcohol?
• Is alcohol offered as prizes at functions or in raffles? Note this is prohibited under the Gambling Act 2003.
• Is it clear that no staff member, while acting in the capacity of a staff member, shall give alcohol to a student or enable a student to obtain alcohol?
• Do staff make sure that they do not provide students with alcohol (unless the student is their tamariki — in accordance with the Act) or consume alcohol with students in a situation that may bring the school into disrepute?
• How frequently will the policy be reviewed?
• Who is responsible for the policy?

School community fundraising events can be social, fun and financially beneficial without the need to sell or supply alcohol. There are many examples of schools in the motu running successful events that are alcohol-free.

You can either host an event or sell some products. Here are a few ideas. Involve your community and ask them for local ideas as well.

• Hold a hangi, or use kai cookers. It is a great way to engage with parents and the community.
• A sponsored walk, run, skip, trike or bike-a-thon.
• A sponsored 'shoot-out' — number of goals, kicks, hoops etc.
• Disco or dance.
• Quiz night.
• Talent quest or battle of the bands.
• Treasure hunt.
• Garden tour.
• Mystery auction, such as art or services.
• Car boot sale.
• Car wash.
• Mufti day.
• Movie night.
• Raffle — choose healthy prizes.
• Sell surplus produce or seedlings from your edible garden.
• Make up and sell garden signs, such as names of herbs or 'Grandma's Garden' etc.
• Healthy kai cookbooks.
• Raise money for a project online, such as give a little.

What you could sell to fundraise

Some products you could sell as fundraisers include:

• children's artwork — the actual piece or printed on calendars, diaries, notepads and computer mouse pads
• first aid kits or tooth brushing kits
• labels, stickers or stamps
• colourful shoe laces
• easy to make items like chalk or soap
• books
• water bottles — design your own label to go on them
• sports gear, such as balls or a skipping rope
• bubble or balloon kits
• ribbons, rosettes or trophies
• bouncy or stress balls
• vouchers.

Do not offer alcohol as a prize

Offering alcohol as a prize for a raffle is considered offering it as a reward for gambling and is against the law.

The Gambling (Prohibited Property) Regulations 2005 say that alcohol must not be offered as a reward for, or used to reward a winner of, gambling.

Offering alcohol as a spot prize is also against the law if people pay to enter the draw for that prize. Find out more on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

The Rules for Running a Gambling Activity - Department of Internal Affairs (external link)

If you want to talk about your school's alcohol policy or event contact your local Public Health team.

Public Health contacts