Ground Rules at The UpFront Club
by Kelly Robson and Alan Harrington

Twelve months after including The UpFront Club in Maple Street Co-op's operations, it's timely that we should remind members, their guests and visitors of some of the responsibilities that are crucial to the ongoing success of the Club.

One of the more significant protocols relates to the consumption of alcohol on the premises. In essence, Club patrons can currently only consume alcohol in the areas that are clearly defined by our liquor licence. These areas include inside the Club itself, the side alley and deck areas as well as out the back of the Club, but do not include the tables out the front of the Club on the footpath.

After the Transfer of Engagement is completed and with the anticipated subsequent change to our liquor licence in 2007, we will then be able to serve alcohol outside on the street tables, but not until then. When we cross that bridge, we will have a dining licence, which means that the Club has to provide food for longer hours. For instance, if we are open until 10 pm, we have to have food available up to one hour before closing time. The Board is working on this plan in conjunction with the licensing authorities.

On another note, under the current liquor licence, alcohol cannot be brought onto the Club's premises. Members and guests may only consume alcohol at the Club if they purchase it on the premises.

Appropriate behaviour
Occasionally, alcohol consumption can lead to inappropriate behaviour, such as verbal or physical abuse, destruction of property or failure to comply with an instruction from a staff member. Such behaviour will not be tolerated. We visit the Club to enjoy ourselves and we must respect one another.

The Qld Liquor Act sets out very heavy penalties for actions that contravene its regulations. These penalties include fines, and in some instances they can lead to the loss of a liquor licence. We wouldn't want that to happen!

So far, there have been very few instances of inappropriate behaviour at The UpFront Club, and this is a credit to the vast majority of members and visitors.
Members should be aware that the staff members on any particular shift have the sole responsibility and authority to ensure that the provisions of the Liquor Act are followed. Should any members ever feel that they're being treated unfairly, they're free to complain to either the Club's Operations Manager Kelly Robson or the Co-op's General Manager Alan Harrington. There is also recourse to the Co-op's Board in certain circumstances.

There are two different protocols that our members need to understand. One is that as members you have inherent responsibilities under the Cooperatives Act, and the other is that if you consume alcohol you have responsibilities under the Liquor Act. In regard to the latter, inappropriate behaviour can be dealt with immediately by staff with no recourse to the Board. The Co-op's Board comes into it when a decision is to be made to cancel a membership.

Smoking areas
Another policy that needs to be clarified for our members and patrons concerns smoking at the Club. Most of you would be aware that stringent legislation on smoking came into force in early 2006 in Queensland. As for how it affects the Club, there is no smoking allowed outside at the front of the Club, inside the Club, in the side alley or on the back deck. However, there is provision for smoking out the back of the Club.

Three tables on the Co-op side of the backyard have been designated as places where smoking is permitted. However, members, their guests and visitors may only drink (and smoke), not eat, at these tables. Not one chip, nut or any other form of food can be consumed at these tables.

Not only that, but staff are prohibited from bringing drinks to these smoking tables. This is on the basis that, under the legislation, staff must not be exposed to the dangers of passive smoking. Our staff are required to leave drinks for smoking-table patrons on the small table provided at the bottom of the back stairs. So, if you're seated out the back, we ask for your co-operation in collecting your beverage order from the table.

The six other tables in the backyard are allocated for eating and/or drinking, but not for smoking. Staff are permitted to serve meals at these non-smoking tables.

Again, the legislation provides for drastic penalties for breaches of the law. Your Club cannot afford these sorts of penalties!

Dress code
The Club expects its members and patrons to abide by a dress code that is reasonable, given our climate, is not offensive, is neat and tidy, and is not in breach of the health regulations. In this context, shirt and footwear are compulsory. If you arrive bare footed and bare chested, you will be asked to leave!

The Board, management and staff thank our members and visitors for their co-operation and understanding. We want our patrons to enjoy themselves without being harassed and to take advantage of the amenities on offer at The UpFront Club. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to us.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", December 2006/January 2007; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au,
website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]