VAMP BEST PRACTICES

To effectively implement the Accord Principles Members agree to implement each of the following Best Practices:

Responsible Service of Alcohol

1. NO UNDULY INTOXICATED PATRONS

Refuse service of alcohol to any patron showing signs of being unduly intoxicated.
Encourage patrons to drink responsibly, and let them know they will be asked to leave if they become intoxicated, disorderly, violent or quarrelsome.
Refuse entry to all unduly intoxicated patrons.
Promptly and politely ask patrons to leave when they are showing signs of being unduly intoxicated.

2. NO UNDERAGE DRINKING

Actively monitor all patrons to ensure they are not underage by checking proper proof of age ID at the door.
Prominently display signage about restrictions on minors.
Apply the following standards when checking ID:

(i) the ID is removed from a wallet/purse or cardholder and held by the staff member conducting the check.
(ii) The ID is checked to ensure it is current and approved:
(iii) the date of birth is checked to establish the age of the patron.
(iv) The date of birth is checked for any tampering.
(v) The photo is checked to ensure it is the person presenting the ID paying close attention to physical features.
(vi) The photo is checked to ensure it has not been substituted or tampered with.
(vii) The ID is checked for any bumps or raised areas which may indicate the identification has been tampered with.
If valid ID is not supplied, no admittance to the premises.
If staff believe that a document being presented is false, defaced or in the possession of a person who is not the owner of the ID then the document will be confiscated and forwarded to Liquor Licensing.

3. DISCOURAGE ACTIVITIES THAT ENCOURAGE DRINKING EXCESSIVELY

Ban practices and promotions that may encourage rapid or excessive consumption of liquor.
Serve drinks in standard measures. If non-standard glasses are used patron must be informed.
No serving of double nips of spirits, unless explicitly requested by the patron.
Offer half measures of spirits if requested by the patron.

4. NOT PROMOTE OR SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES THAT MAY ENCOURAGE RAPID OR EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR

Avoid labeling or titling of promotions that may encourage patrons to consume liquor irresponsibly and excessively to an intoxicated state.
Avoid offering drinks that by their method of consumption encourages irresponsible drinking habits and are likely to result in rapid intoxication.
Not advertise or allow promotions of very high alcohol substances such as overproof rum and high alcohol carbonated drinks.
Not allow stockpiling of drinks.

5. PROMOTE NON OR LOW ALCOHOL BEVERAGES AND FOOD

Offer and promote low alcohol beer at differential (lower) prices compared to full strength.
Offer and promote a range of non alcoholic drinks at differential (lower) prices.
Ensure bottled water is available for purchase at reasonable prices.
Provide and promote reasonably priced snacks and food throughout operating hours.

Improve Safety and Security

6. MAINTAIN PROPER STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Provide and maintain a safe environment in and around the licensed premises, for example:

(i) having a phone available for the use of patrons in a location where patrons using the phone can be heard above noise within the premises

(ii) displaying phone numbers for taxis, police, ambulance and fire brigade adjacent to the phone

(iii) having the name of the duty manager prominently displayed at each bar in the premises

(iv) not promoting activities that might encourage harassment by patrons of the staff or other patrons

clearly display acceptable, and unacceptable, behaviour on premises (house policy), such as the non acceptance of excessive consumption of alcohol or drug use.
Assign staff trained in the responsible serving of alcohol to actively monitor patrons and at regular intervals move through premises to assess any potential problems. (Monitoring should also include toilets).
Actively liaise with Fortitude Valley Police and other licensed premises when disorderly patrons have been ejected or are moving through the area.
Ensure internal and external security procedures are well maintained and functioning effectively.
Encourage phased and orderly exit of patrons from premises when closing.

7. MAINTAIN SAFETY AND SECURITY

Conduct regular risk assessment of premises and environs.
Ensure entrances and exits are well lit and that immediate surrounds are safe and allow good visibility.
Implement good surveillance systems, such as closed circuit television systems, on premises.
Ensure staff, including security staff are clearly identifiable (for example, distinctive t-shirts, uniforms, name tags etc).
Serve drinks in containers which minimize potential harm to customers.
Fully cooperate with Police and other Accord members on ways to improve public safety.
Prevent criminal activity and disorderly conduct from occurring on premises. Notify police immediately something illegal or suspicious does occur.

8. MAINTAIN RECORDS OF INCIDENTS AND HAVE GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH POLICE

Maintain a register of all safety incidents noting the time, date and nature of the incident in and around the premises and the response by staff and management.
Notify Fortitude Valley police and other relevant authorities of any special events likely to significantly increase the number or type of people in the area. This should happen well in advance of the event.
Maintain current list of emergency phone numbers and post close to all key phones.
Train all staff to know help procedures and emergency numbers and how to use the Incident Book.
Encourage all staff members to undertake first aid courses and where possible ensure one staff member with a first aid certificate is rostered on to each shift.
Establish good communication with security at other venues eg. Venue to venue radio
Ensure close liaison and open communication with Fortitude Valley Police, particularly those responsible for licensing matters and the VAMP Licensing Accord.

Commitment to being Good Neighbours

9. IMPROVE THE LOCAL AMENITY

Assist patrons in accessing safe transportation out of the area. (For example, door staff should volunteer information about access to the railway station, late night bus services and taxi ranks and encourage patrons to use these quickly and quietly when departing).
Minimise noise generating from the premises. Wherever possible doors should be kept closed.
Educate patrons, including through signage, about the need to respect the local amenity and to arrive and depart the area in a quiet and orderly manner.
Prevent the removal of liquor (other than packaged where permitted) from licensed premises.
Ensure staff, specifically door and security staff are briefed on local environs issues, including potential traffic, noise or security problems.
Ensure police are informed of regular closing hours and any variations such as for special events or new activities.
Respond to legitimate complaints and resident concerns and take all reasonable steps to ensure the premises is functioning as a 'good neighbour'.

10. PATRON RESPONSIBILITY

Post signage that clearly explains licensee and patron responsibility regarding the responsible service of alcohol (for example 'No More it's the Law' signage).
Ensure staff are trained appropriately to advise patrons when they will no longer be served and will be asked to leave the premises.

Cooperate with the Police and the Community to Improve Local Outcomes

11. ENSURE ALL STAFF ARE TRAINED

Ensure all employees & security staff complete an accredited Responsible Service of Alcohol course. New employees will complete the course within 2 months of their start date.
Each venue's goal is to have a minimum of 70% of staff trained at any given time.
Maintain a register of staff who has completed an accredited Responsible Serving of Alcohol course.
Provide regular updates to new staff and retraining courses on the Accord and related responsible service of alcohol and harm minimization policies and practices.
Ensure strict reference checks are conducted on all staff in the context of good recruitment practices.
Ensure all staff are familiar with the Incident Book and are aware of how to use it when required.
Ensure staff has access to relevant literature on the Accord, liquor laws and regulations.

12. ACTIVELY MONITOR AND PROMOTE THE ACCORD

Provide an ongoing commitment to the Accord and to the continued proper management and conduct of the licensed premises.
Notify the Fortitude Valley Police, or other relevant authorities where appropriate, of any event or practice detected that may impact on the Accord or any other licensing law or regulation.
Establish and maintain effective complaints procedures.
Attend and actively participate in the Fortitude Valley Licensed Victualler's Meeting and demonstrate willingness to adopt agreed actions arising from the Meeting.
Support the activities of VAMP and bring to its attention matters that could threaten or enhance safety and harm minimization in the Fortitude Valley area.
Promote educational and information items in the community to discourage the irresponsible service and consumption of alcohol.