parties

street parties

Street parties are illegal unless you have a permit from the city to close the street. Even if a street is closed, it is illegal to drink alcohol on unlicensed public property.

In recent years, a street party on Aberdeen Street coincided with Queen's fall Homecoming, even though the party had never been a University-sanctioned event. During the parties, many students were injured, and there were numerous fines, arrests and charges laid. Fire, police, and hospital emergency departments were overwhelmed.

After the party in 2008, one local ER doctor said it was only a matter of time before someone died. Police said the crowd included more and more individuals known to them. The crowd has also included more people who aren't associated with Queen's.

Queen's, the Alma Mater Society, the City of Kingston, Kingston Police, and volunteer groups tried for several years to manage the Aberdeen party through education campaigns and by taking steps to ensure participant safety, but the crowd continued to grow.

As a result, the University cancelled Fall Homecoming for two years beginning this past fall (2009).

On what would have been the fall homecoming weekend last September, there were no organized safety efforts by the University with respect to street parties. A large police presence resulted in a much smaller crowd than in years past and there were no serious injuries. The University was encouraged by the good judgment shown by students who stayed away.

The Principal will review the decision to cancel Fall Homecoming late this year.

hosting parties

Queen's students hold great (and incident-free) parties throughout the year, but there are some key facts and resources you should know about when hosting a party, from staying within the law and liability to being a responsible host. Learn more from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Responsible hosting

Responsible hosting is about more than just avoiding noise and liquor law violations. Here are some tips for party hosting that will help keep you and your guests safe and having a good time.

• Make sure you know who is invited to your party. Monitor who actually attends.
• Have snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on hand for guests.
• Avoid glass bottles.
• Close off access to your roof and balconies.
• Keep the event in specific areas. Protect your own space and belongings, and check your lease to find out whether or not areas like your yard and walkway are included.
• Remember that if you provide alcohol to anyone attending your gathering, you can be held legally responsible for their well-being until they sober up.

Selling alcohol

The Ontario Liquor License Act authorizes the sale of alcohol only from those who have a license or permit for doing so: i.e. bars, pubs, nightclubs, and liquor retail outlets like the Beer Store and LCBO. Selling alcohol without a permit is illegal. You can be fined and/or be required to take alcohol education courses. Even if you are not charging guests for alcohol directly, any related fees (tickets, coat check, etc.) that pay for the cost of the alcohol is a violation of Ontario laws.

You will be held to the Queen's Code of Conduct   whether you are on or off campus. As a student at Queen's, you can be prosecuted for violations of the Code by the peer-administered non-academic discipline system, in addition to charges under municipal by-laws, provincial offenses legislation or the Criminal Code. If you've broken the law, your landlord can begin eviction proceedings under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Group Socials

Parties and socials are often held to celebrate a special event and/or to unite/reunite members of a particular team, group, or club.

Sometimes the parties involve high-risk drinking and increased pressure to drink, particularly if events or "initiations" are centered on alcohol-based games or excessive drinking.

Many students report feeling pressure to drink and participate in these unsafe drinking practices, when they really don't want to.

Be aware, and remember that nobody should ever feel like membership in a particular community or group hinges on being willing to get drunk or take risks.