Alcohol will remain
off-limits on the University of Otago campus, as students
face an extended dry spell courtesy of a Rugby World Cup
liquor ban which is likely to continue once the tournament
ends.
Members of the University Council are expected to approve a
recommendation at a meeting today from Otago's new
vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne to implement an "Alcohol
on Campus Statute".
The law will apply until at least January next year, when it
is expected to be repealed and replaced by a new set of
regulations for 2012, Prof Hayne said.
Students breaching the on-campus booze ban "may" be dealt
with under the university's discipline regulations and code
of conduct, which allows for the imposition of fines,
community service and, in worst-case scenarios, expulsion
from the university.
Otago University Students Association president Logan Edgar
was pragmatic about the prospect of a campus liquor ban
extension, although it required "further discussions" about
how it might be policed.
"It's generally accepted among the student body that out of
respect you don't drink around the campus." The law was about
promoting safer drinking and students should still be able to
enjoy "a beer in the sun" as part of that, Mr Edgar said.
The Dunedin City Council asked the university to implement an
alcohol ban as part of wider restrictions through the city
and North Dunedin for the World Cup.
The alcohol on campus statute, subject to some exceptions,
will prohibit all persons from bringing, possessing, or
consuming alcohol on any part of the campus.
"The principal intent of the statute is to make plain that
the university campus is not available as a place for groups
to congregate and consume alcohol, and to support the taking
of measures against those who may attempt to do so," Prof
Hayne says in a memorandum of recommendation to council
members.
Exemptions applied for people carrying alcohol in unopened
containers and would not not affect the consumption of
alcohol within university buildings, in line with current
practice and policy, Prof Hayne said.
Non-students, who "chose to drink alcohol on campus" would be
asked to desist by Campus Watch staff and leave the
university's grounds, while the statute would also provide
police with a "greater ability to respond to any who may fail
to co-operate".
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