Knowledge Base

All service of alcohol at UMSU events will be managed and provided by The Ida Bar, in consultation with relevant student representative departments and staff, with the exception of UMSU events at VCA and Burnley campuses due to their lack of proximity from Parkville campus.

Note: UMSU staff and student representatives must NOT drink alcohol immediately prior to or during the event they are supervising as per the UMSU Alcohol Policy.

• Events planning to sell alcohol require a liquor license. The approval process can take over 8 weeks, so please note this timeline in your event production.
  
• Ida Bar will seek approval for a liquor license on your behalf. 
  
• No licence is required to give out alcohol for free, but the RSA and other rules still apply (see below)
  

• Events where alcohol is given away must be entirely free, including no associated costs, and includes tickets to the event.
  
• Attendees must have free food and non-alcoholic beverages available. 
  

• Based on Melbourne City Council regulations, where alcohol is served and over 100 attendees are expected, the event will require onsite security support – 1 guard per 100 patrons minimum.
  
• The above is a guideline only. If your event has other associated risks such as multiple egress points, entertainment, or clear physical dangers that need to be managed by staff, you may need a higher security guard to patron ratio. 
  

• Provide adequate controls over the supply and consumption of liquor.
  
• Promote a culture of responsible alcohol service and discourage risky drinking.
  
• Purchase an appropriate amount of alcohol based on expected attendance.
  
• Provide harm reduction support such as mental health first aid, dedicated staff, information, etc. 
  

• Ensure all alcohol servers hold a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.
  

• Provide food and free drinking water to attendees. 
  

• UMSU can serve alcohol at events where under 18 students are present on some occasions, however, they must not be served alcohol. If under 18 students are expected to attend your event it may be more inclusive and appropriate to avoid serving alcohol altogether.
  
• Only provide alcohol to individuals of legal drinking age. Acceptable evidence of age documents under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 can be found here. 
  

• Refrain from serving alcohol to intoxicated guests.
  
• Take appropriate care of intoxicated individuals (i.e. give water, provide vomit bag, sit somewhere safe and quiet, find the persons friends or family, assist them in getting transport somewhere safe)
  
• Seek staff support - Events team are here to help!
  

• Promote responsible alcohol use.
  
• Clearly state "UMSU is committed to promoting safe and responsible use and service of alcohol" in event materials.
  
• Use 18+ messaging for relevant events and include acceptable types of IDs (international students often need clarification on acceptable digital ID types)
  
• Include the University of Melbourne Student Code of Conduct for high-risk event registration. 
  

• Display appropriate signage.
  
• Maintain records, including the premises' license and red-line plan if alcohol is sold.
  
• Keep evidence of RSA course completion on file.