HS127 Alcohol and other substances

Licensing criterion and guidance for HS127 Alcohol and other substances.

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Criterion HS127

No person on the premises uses, or is under the influence of, alcohol or any other substance that has a detrimental effect on their functioning or behaviour during the service's hours of operation.

Guidance

How to show you are complying

You must make sure that during all hours of operation, when children are present, no one uses or is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.

Implementing a range of measures to make sure no one uses, or is under the influence of, alcohol or any other substance can be helpful, including:

  • code of conduct that outlines your expectations for substance-free behaviour from staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors

  • policy that sets out the rules and consequences regarding alcohol and substance use.

  • signage displaying clear reminders in relevant areas to reinforce expectations.

When assessing whether you comply with HS127

Questions we are likely to ask

  • How do you make sure no one uses, or is under the influence of, alcohol or any other substance during hours of operation?

  • What would you do if someone arrived at your service and under the influence of alcohol or any other substance during hours of operation?

We are likely to look at, measure or count

No documentation is required, however, if you tell us you use documentation to meet this criterion we will review the content.

Maintaining a safe and professional environment for children is essential. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other substances may have impaired judgment or behaviour, which poses risks to children’s wellbeing and disrupts the quality of care.

Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.

You could develop a clear policy and procedure regarding alcohol and other substances for staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors. This should be developed in partnership with parents to ensure shared understanding of staff responsibilities.

The policy could include:

  • what staff should do if a parent or caregiver arrives under the influence when dropping off or collecting a child

  • when it is appropriate to contact the police rather than trying to stop an adult from taking a child

  • steps to take if a staff member is under the influence - this is an employment matter and must follow proper procedures

  • no alcohol is to be consumed on the premises while children are present

  • any alcohol kept on site must be stored in a locked cupboard.