Upright and eyes open at all times

One of the biggest issues facing licensed venues is the appropriate management of intoxicated patrons. Licensed venues provide alcoholic beverages and, as liquor providers, are obligated to uphold the principles of the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

Licensees recognise that patrons may attempt to enter the premises in a state of intoxication caused by alcohol or other drug use, or they may become intoxicated on the premises. Intoxication is legally considered unacceptable and can jeopardise a venue’s liquor licence.

The promoters and producers of Toybox, Brett and Andy, want their parties to be happy, fun, silly and safe occasions for everyone who attends, and the return of Toybox to The Metro Theatre this Sunday is no exception.

As the promoters say, There are so many variables that make each Toybox party different and special. However, the underlying constant is our intention to reflect the generosity of spirit everyone brings to the party and have everyone walk away after the party feeling cared for, healthy and happy.

Like all promoters, Brett and Andy respect and insist on your right to be treated respectfully as an adult capable of making your own decisions and taking responsibility for your own wellbeing.

Even if you haven’t been to a Toybox party, you’ve probably read or heard the expression, Keep yourself nice -“ play safe, which the boys developed as part of their ongoing campaign to promote safer and healthier behaviour at their parties.

Their intention was that the phrase would be open to broad interpretation and that it would mean something different to everyone. As a tie-in to this message, a new addition has been developed. Once again it is simple and direct: upright and eyes open at all times.

It is often difficult to work out whether someone is intoxicated or not and even when someone is approached by an ACON Rover or First Aid team member, their level of disinhibition can impair their ability to reply appropriately or accurately.

So upright and eyes open at all times is a light-hearted yet specific way to check to see if someone is okay and a reminder to patrons to look after themselves and those around them.

So if you’re out partying and someone approaches you and you hear the words upright and eyes open at all times -“ whether it’s being said by an ACON Rover, a First Aid team member, a host or a security guard -“ please remember why they’re saying it.

The reason they’re taking the time to be there with you, and in most cases the only reason these people are at the party in the first place, is to create an environment that fosters a safer and healthier party for everyone.

They’re not doing it for their health; they’re doing it out of their concern for your health and safety and, more broadly, our community.

Remember: if you do not want any negative consequences, do not use the drug and, no matter how many times you have used a substance, never be blas?/p>