York Curling Club
Alcohol Serving Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that alcohol is sold and served at York Curling Club in a safe, responsible, and lawful manner, in compliance with:
- the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (Ontario)
- AGCO regulations and standards
- Smart Serve Ontario requirements
This policy prioritizes the health and safety of members, guests, volunteers, and the public.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- all club-operated bars and licensed areas
- all club events, including bonspiels, leagues, rentals, and special occasions
- all individuals involved in the sale or service of alcohol, including employees and volunteers
Legal Authority
Under Ontario law:
- alcohol must not be sold or supplied to any person who is or appears to be intoxicated
- alcohol must not be sold or supplied to anyone under 19 years of age
- licensees must take reasonable steps to prevent intoxication and alcohol-related harm
Smart Serve Requirement
- All individuals who sell or serve alcohol must hold valid Smart Serve certification
- Certification must be current and available upon request
- The Club will maintain a record of Smart Serve-certified personnel
Age Verification
- Alcohol will only be sold or served to persons 19 years of age or older
- Acceptable government-issued photo ID must be requested where age is in doubt
- If valid ID is not provided, service must be refused
Intoxication – Definition & Standard
For the purposes of this policy:
A person is considered intoxicated when, in the opinion of a reasonable observer, alcohol has impaired their physical coordination, speech, judgment, or behaviour, as evidenced by observable signs.
There is no fixed number of drinks that defines intoxication. Decisions must be based on observable behaviour, not drink counts.
Signs of Intoxication
Observable indicators may include, but are not limited to:
- slurred or incoherent speech
- loss of balance or coordination
- aggressive, disruptive, or inappropriate behaviour
- confusion, disorientation, or impaired judgment
- inability to control physical actions
Service Refusal
Alcohol service must be refused when:
- a person is or appears to be intoxicated
- a person cannot provide valid proof of age
- continued service would be unsafe or unlawful
Service refusal must be:
- polite and respectful
- firm and non-negotiable
- focused on safety, not discipline or punishment
Management of Intoxicated Individuals
When an individual appears intoxicated:
- no further alcohol shall be sold or supplied
- staff or volunteers should offer water, food, or non-alcoholic beverages
- reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the person does not drive, ask if the patron will voluntarily give up his/her keys
- alternative transportation (e.g., taxi, ride-share, designated driver) should be encouraged
- if necessary, assistance may be sought from a club executive, event convenor, or security
Duty of Care
The Club recognizes its duty of care to:
- prevent harm related to alcohol consumption
- protect members, guests, and the public
- intervene early where risk is identified
Incident Documentation
Where service is refused or an alcohol-related incident occurs:
- brief notes should be recorded (date, time, behaviour observed, action taken)
- documentation should be factual and objective
- records will be retained in accordance with Club governance practices
Authority to Act
- All Smart Serve-certified staff and volunteers are authorized and expected to refuse service where required
- The Club supports individuals who refuse service in good faith
- No person shall be pressured to continue service contrary to this policy
Compliance and Review
- Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or removal from alcohol-service duties
- This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as required to maintain compliance with Ontario law and AGCO standards
Board Approval
This policy was approved by the Board of Directors of York Curling Club on:
Date: Dec 16, 2025