Host Responsibility
When Zero is Hero
As an event host you play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your guests. Motive Events work with you when planning or running your event to ensure that we have strategies for your guests to have a great, safe and memorable time - from ensuring there are zero or low alcohol options on offer, to making sure that hero of the event is the food!
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 sets out certain requirements which fall under a Host Responsibility Policy - this is created specifically for each licensed premises to ensure that they are operating in a responsible manner making it a safe drinking environment. It aims to reduce intoxication and its associated harms by focusing on the server of alcohol and the environment in which alcohol is consumed. Although not directly related to individual events, the key concepts outlined in these plans can also be applied to the organiser and host of an event - we’ve put together a few key points for you to think about based on these 6 key elements.
A responsible host:
1) Prevents intoxication
eyond creating a memorable experience at an event where networking and socialising is generally a key outcome, it’s essential to prioritise guests’ health and welfare, both at the event and afterwards.
2) Does not serve alcohol to minors
This one is pretty self-explanatory! Other than being illegal, making sure all the attendees of your event who are drinking are of age is your responsibility as a host.
3) Provides and actively promotes free drinking water, low alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks
Gone are the days of a simple juice as the only alternative to alcohol! In today’s day and age, there are a huge range of low and non-alcoholic beverages - they look great, taste fantastic and by actively promoting these, it can reduce the social pressure to drink.
4) Provides and actively promotes substantial food
If your guests are drinking, it’s essential to provide them with (hopefully delicious) foods to accompany this. In this case, carbs are your best friends - the key to food being served is that it should be ‘substantial’.
5) Serves alcohol responsibly
We’ll work with you to consider the type of event you’re hosting as to the quantity and type of alcohol you’re going to serve - your gala dinner will have different needs to an end of year Christmas party!
6) Arranges safe transport options
At some stage (sadly) the party must end as the event comes to a close. It’s part of your responsibility to make sure that the guests have a safe way to get home. This could be as simple as making sure that there are Ubers or taxis available, or requesting the information held by the premises about transport options in advance.
As the host, you have some important responsibilities when it comes to making sure your event is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved - we’re here to help if you have any questions or need clarity!