Alcohol and Tobacco (incl. e-cigarettes) on School Sites | Secretary Greg McLaren:
Quite often questions arise about alcohol and/or smoking on a DoE school site. The alcohol question often arises with P&C or other community organised events.
The DoE Drugs in School policy outlines the restrictions and consequences in relation to the Code of Conduct related to these items.
The Drugs in School policy states “the consumption of alcohol is not permitted at any school function (including those conducted outside school premises) at any time when school students, from any school, are present. A school function is any function organised by the school and/or in the name of the school and applies to all types of functions including dances, farewells, sporting fixtures and barbecue”.
The DoE Community Use of School Facilities Implementation Procedures states “community users wanting to operate children’s services on school premises are to be advised that, consistent with department policy, alcohol must not be consumed on or brought to school premises. This applies under any circumstances during school operating hours and/or when children are present at the facility without the direct supervision of their parent or guardian”.
Consumption of alcohol in designated alcohol-free zones is illegal. More information can be found in the below link regarding community exceptions and managing incidents.
In relation to smoking has been prohibited on DoE school sites since July 1988. The Drugs in School policy states “smoking on school premises, including school buildings, gardens, sports fields and car parks, is prohibited. This includes students, employees, visitors and other people who use school premises, including community groups”. The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 makes a number of outdoor public places smoke-free. Smoking is banned within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit from a public building in NSW which includes schools. This law is called the ‘4 metre law’. The law does not require signs to be displayed to indicate that smoking is not permitted within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit to a school. On the spot fines of $300 may apply to individuals who do not comply with the ‘4 metre law’. Many NSW councils, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, have introduced their own smoking bans. Where these bans are in place, they can continue to be enforced by Local Council rangers. More information can be found in the below link regarding managing incidents.
Quite obviously schools must be places that are free of illegal drugs. Responses to illegal drugs would require reporting to police and DoE incident support hotline 1800 811 523.