Alcohol in the Hall Survey

[mcaldwell]

We know the predominant opinion of the regulars on the board, but I would really like to know how many halls still have alcohol in some capacity. There are thousands of silent members here, so the numbers could be a fair representation of the fire service.

It doesn't matter if your for or against it, just click on a choice so we can see what the real numbers look like.

Thanks

[KYChief350]

Two of my three stations serve double-duty as "community" halls - that is, other organizations, such as veterans' groups and social organizations use the facilities for their meetings and events. For those two stations alcoholic beverages are kept in the building, but in locked walk-in coolers. We maintain a strict no-alcohol policy for any fire department activity.

The third station is used exclusively as a fire station, and has no alcohol on the premisis.

Several years ago our policies were a little looser, but recent events at other nearby departments caused us to ratchet our policy up a little tighter.

This was pretty painless anyway, as our members are pretty well tracking with society in general in that it (casual drinking) simply is not done anymore to the degree that it used to be. Now, instead of $.75 for a bottle of beer, we pay $1.50 for a bottle of water. Whoudathunkit!

[JimMccarthy]

Alcohol in the firehouse

The ONLY time ETOH is allowed in our station is the annual steak fry for the members.
The station is CLOSED, We are on full mutual aid coverage for the entire night, and, I believe, on till the next AM.
We do have an annual banquet, also, but off site where alcohol is served, but again full mutual aid coverage.
We have very strict rules on booze and response. Can't quote them by heart, but basically, any alcohol, don't bother to respond.

Be safe, Y'all

Jim Mc Carthy, RN/C, FF/EMT

[mcaldwell]

Not a huge amount of responses so far, but it looks like there is still a lot of social drinking going on in halls out there.

We'll wait and see how the numbers continue to stack up, but it looks like there is a lot of PR work to do before we can hope to eliminate it all together. Considering that every dept i've ever been to in my region maintains a fully stocked beer fridge, it may have to come down to federal legislation before dry stations become the norm.

I certainly wouldn't fight it, if it came down the pipe, but I think a lot of old schoolers might.