I am also uncomfortable with drinking on school grounds. But an adults only evening at another location seems okay. I am against drinking but recognize that a large number of people find it a normal part of socializing. This is probably a judgement call that needs to be addressed locally since there are very different microcultures in every district. It seems like a very good topic for a vote.
bbrown70...you are certainly entitled to your own opinion. As for our auction it is held in a hall and children are not present. I certainly would feel differently about it if children were allowed to attend, but they are not. They are held in the evening and it is an adults only event. We personally do not provide the alcohol. The catering facility does and if you would like a drink you may go to the bar, order it, & pay for it. The price of the ticket gets you in and includes a nice dinner, soda, coffee, & dessert. Alcohol is not included.
Our Principal specifically does not want it held in the school so that people can drink if they want to. Many people like the idea of being able to have a nice night out and have a drink or two if they want one. Many parents do not get to go out much in a social setting and they really look forward to this evening.
Personally I have yet to see someone get drunk at one of these events. Thats not to say that it doesn't or could not happen. But, they are certainly not drink fests and I would suspect that most parents who attend have no desire to be drunk and foolish in front of the principal, teachers, & board of Ed members who attend.
My opinion is obviously not with the majority but I find it very hard to swallow to serve alcohol at a school function especially if it is being paid for with school or PTA/PTO monies and as a person helping to provide the money for the school or PTA/PTO whether through taxes or a fundraiser I am even more opposed, what we as individuals do on our own time with our own money is one thing, but is it not hypocritical to teach our kids the harmful effects of drinking and then drink at a school function no less.
We had a tricky tray last year at a reception Hall. They served alcohol and their was no problems at all.
As Rockne stated any public school I know of does not allow any alcohol on the premises. Typically Parochial schools due allow it though.
If your auction is held off premises in a hall or restaurant then I see know problem with it at all. Parents who want to have some cocktails will love it and for those who do not want to drink...they do not have to.
I think "adult" nights (a dinner-dance, a higher-end auction, even an appreciation party) are great. They elevate the image of your organization; they create community; they build involvement.
Most of the schools I work with have policies regarding alcohol on school grounds. But if you're hosting your event at a function hall or hotel or the like, the hall will usually have the alcohol as an option -- with the added bonus that your group is not *serving* the alcohol and the facility has the responsibility for following alcohol rules and taking on the liability.
I say it's worth having - were all adults and we do drink (hope I'm not alone in saying this). Many people that would not normally attend will just for the socializing - make it looser and more relaxed for them. besides, they might spend more than normal too!
And, do get insurance to CYA! It's not worth passing that up.
