House Policy

Merri Mashers Homebrew Club
House Policy (Victoria)

Responsible Service, Behaviour & Safety

Purpose

This House Policy outlines how the club manages alcohol service, behaviour, and safety at all club events. It applies to all members and attendees and is guided by Victorian Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) principles.

Alcohol Service & Identification

  • Alcohol will not be served to minors (under 18).
  • Acceptable ID:
    • Passport
    • Australian driver licence
    • Australian proof-of-age card
  • ID may be requested from anyone who appears under 25.
  • If acceptable ID is not produced, attendance may be refused.
  • Fake or altered ID will not be accepted and may result in refusal of service or removal from the event.
  • Alcohol service will be refused to intoxicated persons.

    Homebrew Labelling & ABV Information
  • When serving homebrew at club meetings or events, members should make every reasonable effort to display the approximate ABV of each beverage.
  • Displaying ABV information is considered best practice and an important part of the club’s commitment to responsible service and harm minimisation. The committee understands that mistakes or omissions may occasionally occur, but members are expected to plan ahead to provide this information wherever practicable.

Intoxication Management & Harm Minimisation

The committee will actively monitor alcohol consumption and behaviour.

This includes:

  • Identifying signs of intoxication (e.g. impaired balance, slurred speech, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour)
  • Encouraging pacing of consumption
  • Asking individuals to pause consumption when required
  • Providing free water at all events
  • Ensuring appropriate food is available whenever alcohol is served
  • Promoting responsible drinking and safe enjoyment of homebrew

Refusal of Service & Removal

A person may be asked to leave, if they:

  • Are intoxicated
  • Behave aggressively, unsafely, or disruptively
  • Fail to comply with committee directions
  • Breach this House Policy
  • All removals will be handled calmly, respectfully, and discreetly by the committee.
  • Where a person is asked to leave, the committee will take reasonable steps to ensure they get home safely, including arranging or paying for a taxi or rideshare if required.
  • Anyone believed to be intoxicated will be actively discouraged from driving.
  • Police will be contacted if there is a serious risk to safety, violence, or refusal to leave.

Behaviour & Conduct

The club has zero tolerance for:

  • Violence or threats
  • Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
  • Drug use or possession
  • Excessive swearing or disorderly conduct

All attendees must treat committee members, volunteers, and others with respect and follow reasonable directions.

Minors & Families

  • Minors are permitted only at designated family-friendly events.
  • Minors must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Curfew times apply where specified for individual events.
  • Minors must not handle, serve, collect, or transport alcohol.

Incident Management

  • The club will maintain an incident register.
  • Incidents to be recorded include:
    • Requests to leave or ejections
    • Aggressive or unsafe behaviour
    • Injuries or medical incidents
    • Police involvement
  • Committee members are responsible for reporting incidents as soon as practicable.

Responsibilities & Training

  • The club encourages committee members and volunteers to obtain a current RSA.
  • Anyone serving alcohol to the general public on behalf of the club must hold a current RSA.
  • The committee has full authority to enforce this policy.

Legal & Compliance

  • This policy is guided by the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic) and Victorian RSA requirements.
  • The club is committed to responsible service and harm minimisation.
  • This House Policy applies to all members and guests at club events.