In summary I agree with Chris about this:  It should be possible for people to handle having a couple of beers without becoming obnoxious or raising a liability risk.  If someone is intoxicated to the point where they're obnoxious (such as e.g. chasing someone around who doesn't want to talk to them), that's a problem.  And for liability reasons if nothing else, SR shouldn't be treated as "the party" or "the after-party."

The key distinctions are between "casual occurrence" vs "event," and between "alcohol as beverage incidental to e.g. a meal" vs "getting loaded."

"Events" where alcohol is "served" or even "made available" run the risk that if something bad happens, SR could be fined for operating an unlicensed nightclub.  Per a recent news story about a fight at a warehouse party, the persons responsible were facing a $60,000 fine for that. 

Alice & Bob bring over a pizza and a sixpack to share with friends, is "casual" and the alcohol is "incidental to the meal."  The small number of persons involved, and the small amount of alcohol involved, reduce the risks to negligible. 

"Getting loaded" falls into the legal definition of intoxication, which is a minefield of liability.  If someone gets loaded _at_ SR and then gets in a fight or auto accident, their defense attorney would almost certainly bring SR into the chain of liability.

Even "get loaded _somewhere else_, then head to Sudo" is a risk, since one has to get from "somewhere else" to SR, and that means being intoxicated in public or DUI.  If "get loaded somewhere else" is "policy" or even "understood," then SR becomes entangled in the chain of causality if a problem occurs.   

If a few individuals' repeat behavior is a cause of these issues becoming "issues," then it's likely that they have drinking problems.  SR is not obligated to accommodate those behaviors, and the people involved should face up to their situations. 

-G


=====

 
On 14-02-16-Sun 7:17 PM, Chris Bee wrote:
...I feel really awkward proposing this, but lately it seems like the thing to do with some of the newcomers goes something like this-

1. Get loaded somewhere else
2. Head to Sudo
3. ???
4. RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE!!! (and/or pass out, depending)

As someone who used to do this on a nightly basis, I kind of get it but even in my finer moments I don't think I would have shown up at a space where people were trying to work and expected a warm reception. And, as someone who has chosen to embrace sobriety I have no quarrel with people who haven't, but since I haven't really developed the patience required to deal with drunk folks yet I tend to retreat or act somewhat distant towards them. Sometimes this results in them chasing me around the space because they want to "hang out," especially if I'm working on music stuff...that's okay if they can do so in a non-disruptive manner, but I'm kind of screwed if they can't so I'm more or less forced to deal with them or (sacre bleu!) leave Sudo to try to get shit done.

What I am NOT proposing is making Sudo a sober space. If it comes to that, sure, but as a first measure I think it's heavy handed and doesn't really serve the interests of the community that can have a couple of beers and function equally well as without. I think what I am asking is that we, as a group, need to send the message that Sudo is not the afterparty, and that if it continues to be treated like one that the individuals involved will be asked to leave for the night. I think being somewhat forgiving in this situation is probably not a bad idea...and of course, repeated behavior of this sort will probably be brought up in a meeting (i.e. is having ***** around worth it?) and appropriate action will be taken.

Needless to say, Sudo/BAPS events would be more or less exempt since the actual drinking will be taking place here and any situations that arise from said drinking will be dealt with as needed.

I would like to hear what everyone has to say about this.

-chrisbee


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