Are you allowed to serve alcohol at PTA events when children are present?

[moneytree]

Hi,

Is there a law against this? I have recently been told that there is a ruling against this. Anyone know more about this?

Thanks

Don't take the HT's word for it, seek clarification with the local authority. As far as fund-raising is concerned, the HT is shooting herself in the foot. Once you have the confirmation that you can actually serve alcohol at an event children are also attending, you perhaps should discuss her concerns.

It may be she's previously experienced bad behaviour by parents consuming alcohol at school events. If so, you could compromise and limit its availability as a trial to show her it's not a problem.

Can we just find something else to entertain ourselves or make money?

Yes and make sure you do get a licence!

Our PTA enquired about a licence to sell mulled wine at the Christmas fayre. They got turned down (think it was that they didn't give enough notice or something) so decided not to sell it

The police turned up to check they weren't selling booze clearly there was no crime of any kind in Essex that day and they had nothing better to do because they are so vigilant

Oh, sorry, I see it's been vetoed :(

Surely, this is morally irresponsible; what about being a Healthy School (in the widest sense of 'healthy' and 'school' meaning the whole school community)

According to PTA UK you need a licence if you SUPPLY alcohol to be consumed on the premises - regardless if it is sold, free or a donation given.

Really? There was always a booze tent at the Summer Fayre at the MC state school my DC's used to attend. And you paid for the booze too. This was as recently as July 2013...

If it helps here is a link to the licensing laws As others have said the licence you want is a TENs.

It doesn't matter if you are selling alcohol or asking for donations, or charging for a glass as part of the ticket/price of a meal, you do still need a license.

There is no ruling about not serving alcohol at an event where there are children present, I'm a personal licence holder for work and do occasional bits for a couple of PTA's (DC in different schools) but it might be worth checking your LEA hasn't given out some guidance of it's own.

TBH it sounds like your HT just isn't sure or has misunderstood something.