Alcohol and Drugs Policy

Introduction

HV Beertje is committed to being a safe and healthy club for its members. This commitment is based on applicable laws and regulations. This Alcohol and Drug Policy (AD Policy) aligns with these principles. In this policy, we set forth the agreements we have made within the club regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs. This primarily, but not exclusively, concerns agreements within the club and activities organized by the club.

Target audience

This AD policy applies to everyone who is a member of or works for HV Beertje. It also applies to guests who attend the club’s events or activities.

Principles of the AD Policy

  • We are committed to preventing and reducing risky alcohol use.
  • The use of drugs at the club or during activities organized by the club is not permitted.
  • We focus on prevention to stop members from using drugs or engaging in risky alcohol consumption.
  • We look out for one another. We help members who are experiencing problems with substance use. This can involve immediate assistance (helping them get home, helping with negative effects while under the influence), as well as long-term support (having a conversation, referring them to professional help).

1. Rules and Agreements

We have established the following rules and guidelines:

  • The use of and being under the influence of drugs, other than alcohol, is prohibited.
    • The use of prescription drugs is permitted, provided the user can demonstrate that the use is strictly for medical purposes.
  • Risky alcohol consumption is discouraged.
  • To prevent risky alcohol consumption, we implement a number of measures:
    • Alcohol is not served to members under the age of 18.
    • We ensure that there are always sufficient non-alcoholic options available and that the cost of these is the same or lower than that of alcoholic beverages.
    • We ensure that free water is available and encourage its use.
  • Possession of and bringing alcohol and drugs to the club or to external activities organized by the club is prohibited.
  • If problems arise or appear to arise due to alcohol or drugs, we will identify them as early as possible and, if possible, work together to find solutions.
  • The implementation of this Alcohol and Drug Policy is the shared responsibility of all members. We are aware of the legal requirements and adhere to them.
  • We ensure that members return home safely after attending an event organized by the association. If they are unable to do so on their own, alternative transportation will be arranged. Any costs incurred for this are the responsibility of the member.
  • Part 4 (Enforcement and Disciplinary Measures) contains more information about the consequences of violating these rules.

Responsibilities

Board:

  • Ensuring a safe environment for members
  • Raising awareness among members about the risks of substance use
  • Promoting the AD policy among members
  • Engaging in conversations with members about substance use
  • Identifying risky alcohol use and identifying drug use
    • They can receive guidance on this through a course such as the IVA.
  • Referring members to various support options
  • Reviewing the AD policy every four years

Committees:

  • Identifying risky alcohol use and identifying drug use
    • They can receive guidance on this through a course such as the IVA.
  • Sharing observations with the board

All members:

  • Identifying and addressing (problems caused by) alcohol and drug use

2. Prevention and Awareness

We are committed to preventing problems caused by alcohol and drug use in the interest of safety and health. We raise members’ awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and inform them about the risks of (risky) alcohol and drug use and addiction. We do this through the following activities:

  • We ensure that this alcohol and drug policy is easily accessible to everyone on our website.
  • All new members are informed of the alcohol and drug policy in writing upon registration.
  • For general information about alcohol and drugs, we refer you to the websites of the regional addiction care agency, alcohoinfo.nl, drugsinfo.nl, or drugsenuitgaan.nl
  • In January, we organize a “Dry January” challenge or encourage our members to participate in IkPas (a month without alcohol).
  • We provide our members with clear information on where they can go for confidential advice and help.
  • We offer committees guidance on identifying and addressing:

1) risky alcohol consumption;

2) being under the influence of drugs during student association activities;

3) suspected problems with alcohol or drug use. Our board members and committee members complete the e-learning course “Responsible Serving of Alcohol for Student Associations” (https://verantwoordalcoholverkopen.nl/) and must obtain the Student Association Certificate in order to perform their duties.

3. Support and Care

Alcohol and drug use always carries risks, even when it is not perceived as risky or problematic. Whenever possible, we make our members aware of this. We refer members who are experiencing problems due to alcohol or drug use to appropriate support services.

  • We encourage members to initiate conversations about problems resulting from alcohol and drug use—whether among themselves, with other parties such as the board or the confidential advisor, or with external parties.
  • We identify issues, engage in dialogue, and, if necessary, refer members to professional help from Jellinek.
  • We address any suspicion of (risky) alcohol or drug use as soon as possible. We voice our concerns, especially if we feel that someone is not functioning as well as usual or is exhibiting behavior different from what we are accustomed to seeing from them. We refer members to Jellinek (phone number: 088 505 1220 or the website: https://www.jellinek.nl/).

4. Enforcement and Disciplinary Measures

We have established this AD policy in the best interests of our members. We expect them to comply with it. If they fail to do so, we will take the following measures:

  • A member whom the board reasonably believes to be under the influence of drugs at the club, or upon arriving at an external club activity, will be sent home immediately. We will ensure that this member gets home safely, at the member’s expense. The board and this member will then meet to discuss the matter as soon as possible.
  • A member who is under the influence of alcohol and causes a disturbance or problems will be sent home. We will ensure that this member gets home safely. The board and this member will then meet to discuss the matter, if possible.
  • The use of drugs and/or risky alcohol consumption will be discussed with the member as soon as possible. The member will be reminded of the agreements outlined in this policy. Additionally, we provide support for potential addiction or more serious issues.
  • Problematic substance use or addiction is not in itself grounds for expulsion. However, a member may be held accountable for the consequences of their substance use. If the member fails to adhere to the rules or agreements, refuses to acknowledge the problem, or does not cooperate in finding a solution, this may lead to sanctions in accordance with Articles 15.9, 15.10, and 15.11 of the Bylaws.

Agreements on Implementation and Evaluation

We ensure that everyone is familiar with the established AD policy. We regularly bring the policy to everyone’s attention. We do this in the following ways:

  • Through newsletters, emails, and/or meetings;
  • Through our website and/or club app;
  • We inform all new members during the association’s orientation;
  • During the annual transition to a new board;
  • We evaluate this policy every four years. The designated board member, namely the chairperson, takes the initiative for this.