Alcohol and Drug Policy

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Sri Lankan Association of Melbourne (MSLA)
Effective Date: March 7, 2026

Welcome to the official website of the Sri Lankan Association of Melbourne (“MSLA”, “we”, “us”, “our”).

This Drug and Alcohol Policy outlines the rules and expectations regarding alcohol consumption, prohibited substances, and conduct at MSLA events where alcohol may be present.

The purpose of this policy is to promote a safe, respectful, and legally compliant environment for all attendees.

By attending any MSLA event, all attendees agree to comply with this policy.

1. Alcohol Policy (BYO)

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees, the following alcohol policy applies.

1.1 Permitted Alcohol

Attendees may bring their own alcohol under the following strict conditions:

  • Maximum of five (5) standard drinks per person

  • Alcohol must be in sealed cans, plastic containers, or cardboard packaging

For reference, a standard drink is defined in line with Australian health guidelines:

  • 375ml beer (4.8%) ≈ 1.4 standard drinks

  • 150ml wine (13%) ≈ 1.5 standard drinks

  • 30ml spirits (40%) ≈ 1 standard drink

Attendees are responsible for ensuring their alcohol quantities comply with the above limits.

1.2 Prohibited Alcohol

The following alcohol items are not permitted at MSLA events:

  • Hard liquor or spirits (e.g. vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, tequila, liqueurs)

  • Glass bottles of any kind

  • Kegs or bulk alcohol containers

  • Slabs or large quantities exceeding the permitted limit

  • Alcohol intended for distribution to other attendees

Any alcohol brought in breach of this policy may be confiscated.

1.3 Bag Checks

For safety and compliance purposes:

  • All bags may be inspected by event staff upon entry.

  • Alcohol exceeding the permitted limit may be confiscated and stored securely.

Confiscated alcohol may be returned at the end of the event upon safe departure provided the attendee is deemed fit to receive alcohol under Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) principles.

1.4 Refusal of Entry Due to Intoxication

In accordance with Responsible Service of Alcohol principles and to maintain a safe environment, MSLA reserves the right to refuse entry to any person who appears intoxicated upon arrival.

Event staff or authorised representatives may determine that an individual is intoxicated based on observable indicators including but not limited to:

  • Slurred speech

  • Impaired balance or coordination

  • Aggressive or disruptive behaviour

  • Strong smell of alcohol

  • Inability to follow instructions

Where an individual is refused entry:

  • The decision of event staff or authorised representatives is final.

  • The individual will not be permitted to enter the venue or event space.

  • The individual may be asked to leave the surrounding area if their behaviour presents a safety concern.

2. Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

MSLA events operate in accordance with the principles of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

Event staff, committee members, volunteers, and venue representatives may monitor alcohol consumption and attendee behaviour throughout the event.

Attendees must comply with all instructions provided by authorised staff regarding alcohol consumption and conduct.

3. Refusal of Alcohol Consumption During Event

MSLA reserves the right to restrict or prohibit further alcohol consumption by any attendee who:

  • Appears intoxicated

  • Is behaving in a disorderly, aggressive, or unsafe manner

  • Attempts to exceed alcohol limits

  • Attempts to provide alcohol to minors

  • Fails to comply with event staff instructions

Individuals may also be asked to leave the event where necessary to maintain safety.

4. Underage Drinking

Alcohol consumption at MSLA events is strictly limited to individuals 18 years of age or older.

Event staff may request valid photo identification to verify age.

Accepted forms of identification include:

  • Australian Driver Licence

  • Passport

  • Victorian Proof of Age Card

Any individual found supplying alcohol to a minor will be removed from the event immediately and authorities may be notified where appropriate.

5. Zero Drugs Policy

MSLA maintains a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs and prohibited substances.

5.1 Strictly Prohibited

The following substances are strictly prohibited at MSLA events:

  • Cannabis (in any form)

  • MDMA, ecstasy

  • Cocaine

  • Ketamine

  • LSD

  • Psilocybin (mushrooms)

  • Synthetic drugs

  • Inhalants

  • THC vapes or edibles

  • Prescription medication without a valid prescription

This list is not exhaustive and any illicit or unlawful substance is prohibited.

5.2 Consequences

Any individual found possessing, consuming, or distributing prohibited substances will be:

  • Removed from the event immediately

  • Banned from future MSLA events where appropriate

  • Reported to authorities if required under applicable laws

6. General Conduct

All attendees are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly.

The following behaviour is not permitted:

  • Aggressive or threatening conduct

  • Harassment of other attendees

  • Damage to venue property

  • Disruption of the event environment

  • Non-compliance with event staff instructions

Event staff and authorised representatives have full authority to enforce these policies.

7. Removal from Event

MSLA reserves the right to remove any attendee from an event where their behaviour:

  • Breaches this policy

  • Endangers the safety of others

  • Causes damage to property

  • Disrupts the event environment

  • Violates applicable laws or venue regulations

Removal from the event may occur without warning and without refund where applicable.

8. Safe Transport

Attendees are strongly encouraged to plan safe transport arrangements before attending events where alcohol may be consumed.

Recommended options include:

  • Designated drivers

  • Rideshare services (Uber, Ola, etc.)

  • Taxi services

  • Public transport

Event staff may assist intoxicated attendees in arranging safe transport where reasonably possible.

However, MSLA does not assume responsibility for individual transportation arrangements.

9. Attendee Responsibility

By attending an MSLA event, attendees acknowledge that they are responsible for their own behaviour and alcohol consumption.

Attendees agree to comply with all event policies and instructions provided by authorised staff.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Refusal of entry

  • Removal from the event

  • Future exclusion from MSLA events

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Sri Lankan Association of Melbourne shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, or incident arising from the consumption of alcohol or breach of this policy by attendees.

All attendees participate in MSLA events at their own risk.

11. Policy Enforcement

MSLA committee members, volunteers, security personnel, and authorised representatives have full authority to enforce this policy.

All decisions made by authorised representatives regarding enforcement are final.

12. Policy Updates

MSLA reserves the right to update or modify this Drug and Alcohol Policy at any time.

The most current version of the policy will always be available on the official MSLA website.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact:

Sri Lankan Association of Melbourne
Email: contact@msla.net.au