Open Forum

I am looking for two things related to family-friendly, alcohol-inclusive events.

1) Examples of policies for these types of programs/events that are intended for family audiences and include alcohol. Everything from "wristband protocols" to added security to "this is why we decided not to do this!" would be helpful. I'd also be interested in choices to limit types of alcohol or numbers of drinks, using tickets instead of direct purchase from bars, etc.

2) Examples of the events themselves - festivals? parties? special programs? I'm interested in success stories and horror stories! of actually hosting these events. Links to web pages describing the events would be great, too.

Thanks!
------------------------------
Tonya Matthews PhD
Michigan Science Center
Detroit MI
------------------------------

I would be interested in this as well.  One of the issues people have is perception.  An example we recently experienced here was during an Atomic Age themed exhibition.  Since the 50s and 60s were also the Cocktail Age, we decided to have an Atomic Cocktail party at which we served very small samples of a half a dozen cocktails with atomic sounding names.  Since some teenagers would be there as well, it was suggested that we also serve some "mocktails," essentially the same flavored drinks without alcohol.  A couple of more conservative board members thought this would promote underage drinking, so that was scrapped.

But if you want to have successful events for adults at your museum, alcohol is going to be a key component.  I like the idea of tickets for drinks, over a cash bar, as a way of limiting consumption.  I think most attendees would not think that unreasonable.  A separate table for non-alcoholic beverages is also a good idea.

------------------------------
David Beard
Director
Museum of the Gulf Coast
Port Arthur TX
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2015 01:04 PM
From: Tonya Matthews
Subject: Alcohol at Kid-Friendly Special Events

I am looking for two things related to family-friendly, alcohol-inclusive events.

1) Examples of policies for these types of programs/events that are intended for family audiences and include alcohol. Everything from "wristband protocols" to added security to "this is why we decided not to do this!" would be helpful. I'd also be interested in choices to limit types of alcohol or numbers of drinks, using tickets instead of direct purchase from bars, etc.

2) Examples of the events themselves - festivals? parties? special programs? I'm interested in success stories and horror stories! of actually hosting these events. Links to web pages describing the events would be great, too.

Thanks!
------------------------------
Tonya Matthews PhD
Michigan Science Center
Detroit MI
------------------------------

I am looking for two things related to family-friendly, alcohol-inclusive events.

1) Examples of policies for these types of programs/events that are intended for family audiences and include alcohol. Everything from "wristband protocols" to added security to "this is why we decided not to do this!" would be helpful. I'd also be interested in choices to limit types of alcohol or numbers of drinks, using tickets instead of direct purchase from bars, etc.

2) Examples of the events themselves - festivals? parties? special programs? I'm interested in success stories and horror stories! of actually hosting these events. Links to web pages describing the events would be great, too.

Thanks!
------------------------------
Tonya Matthews PhD
Michigan Science Center
Detroit MI
------------------------------

We have family-friendly programs with alcohol. We use wristbands and card the adults. One does have to watch out for adults handing off liquor to someone underage. We're a small community though so they police themselves because there's always someone in the room who recognizes the young person and knows he/she is underage.

Things to be ready for: some parents may be offended that you have liquor at a family event. So be prepared to respond to them. Plenty of parents are accepting of these events and actually appreciate the opportunity.

The "mocktail" is typically discouraged not just by certain individuals, but by organizations for underage-drinking prevention.

Always have trained bartenders prepared to card/cut-off. But that goes for any event with alcohol. It just seems even more crucial if the adult is driving children around in his/her car.

------------------------------
Dawn Salerno
Director of Education
Mystic Arts Center
Mystic CT
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2015 01:04 PM
From: Tonya Matthews
Subject: Alcohol at Kid-Friendly Special Events

I am looking for two things related to family-friendly, alcohol-inclusive events.

1) Examples of policies for these types of programs/events that are intended for family audiences and include alcohol. Everything from "wristband protocols" to added security to "this is why we decided not to do this!" would be helpful. I'd also be interested in choices to limit types of alcohol or numbers of drinks, using tickets instead of direct purchase from bars, etc.

2) Examples of the events themselves - festivals? parties? special programs? I'm interested in success stories and horror stories! of actually hosting these events. Links to web pages describing the events would be great, too.

Thanks!
------------------------------
Tonya Matthews PhD
Michigan Science Center
Detroit MI
------------------------------

I am looking for two things related to family-friendly, alcohol-inclusive events.

1) Examples of policies for these types of programs/events that are intended for family audiences and include alcohol. Everything from "wristband protocols" to added security to "this is why we decided not to do this!" would be helpful. I'd also be interested in choices to limit types of alcohol or numbers of drinks, using tickets instead of direct purchase from bars, etc.

2) Examples of the events themselves - festivals? parties? special programs? I'm interested in success stories and horror stories! of actually hosting these events. Links to web pages describing the events would be great, too.

Thanks!
------------------------------
Tonya Matthews PhD
Michigan Science Center
Detroit MI
------------------------------

My museum sponsors two fund raising events a year.  In February we host a crab feed and in September a Bar-B-Que On the Ramp - ramp is the place at an airport/field where aircraft park.  We use our air park for that event.  In both cases we have beer and wine available for purchase.  We obtain a one day permit from the Calif Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control and a notice to the Sacramento County Sheriff.  Drink tickets (different color for alcohol vs non-alcohol) are purchased for all drinks and are presented for the appropriate one.  We have a specific group of volunteers who are our bartenders.  Most are retired military so have no problem with saying no or questioning age.  

We also are the site of military retirements, commissioning and change of command ceremonies.  Wedding receptions, business conferences and meetings, company dinners and Christmas/holiday parties have all been held here.  Our rental contract requires each group contact ABC to see if a permit in needed and if Sheriff notification is required.  the Sheriff already has a requirement on how much private security is required based on attendance.  Additional security may be required depending on the actual site and the sponsoring group.  For some events, the Sheriff requires the hiring of off-duty deputies in addition to private security.    

To date we have had no problems with the availability of alcohol with groups composed of over and under 21 year olds.     

------------------------------
Raymond Meyer
Safety & Security Manager
Aerospace Museum of California
McClellan CA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2015 01:04 PM
From: Tonya Matthews
Subject: Alcohol at Kid-Friendly Special Events

I am looking for two things related to family-friendly, alcohol-inclusive events.

1) Examples of policies for these types of programs/events that are intended for family audiences and include alcohol. Everything from "wristband protocols" to added security to "this is why we decided not to do this!" would be helpful. I'd also be interested in choices to limit types of alcohol or numbers of drinks, using tickets instead of direct purchase from bars, etc.

2) Examples of the events themselves - festivals? parties? special programs? I'm interested in success stories and horror stories! of actually hosting these events. Links to web pages describing the events would be great, too.

Thanks!
------------------------------
Tonya Matthews PhD
Michigan Science Center
Detroit MI
------------------------------