Alcohol Use Policy - St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Pearland

The Episcopal Church does not endorse prohibition of using beverages containing alcohol among adult members. Christ used and served alcohol at his first miracle at Cana and when he instituted the Holy Eucharist. If an adult member elects to use alcohol, moderate usage is expected.

Through the parish secretary (office@standrewspearland.org,) the rector is to be notified in advance of the intent to serve alcoholic beverages.

The organization serving alcoholic beverages is to specify the beginning and ending time of availability of such beverages in advance and such times are not to be extended without the permission of the senior church official present in the building at the time.

Alternate non-alcoholic beverages are to be offered to participants at any function with equal dignity and hospitality. Suitable alternative beverages might include non-alcoholic sparkling wine, punch, soda drinks, fruit juice, coffee or tea.

Any beverage which contains alcohol must be clearly labeled as such. This applies to any food where alcohol has not been volatilized.

The method of serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks should be equal as well as the type of drinking containers available.

A tasteful and appropriate identifying card should be placed at any bowl of punch that contains alcohol as well as all containers of beverages.

At weddings and non-parish events, it will be required to have 1 security guard per 100 guests. The guard(s) will be hired by St. Andrew's and the fee will be paid by the user 5 days in advance.

No minor is to be served alcoholic beverages, even from parents and guardians.

Advertising and publicity for events at St. Andrew's are not to mention alcoholic beverages even if they are to be available. For example: For a dinner party to be held at the church, it would be appropriate to say, "beverages of your choice will be available before the meal." Please do not say, "Cocktail hour at 6:30 PM."

Alcoholic beverages may not be sold.

Groups or organizations sponsoring an event where alcohol will be consumed are responsible for person who may become intoxicated and must provide alternative transportation is such cases.

Although these guidelines recognize the positive social value of the use of alcoholic beverages, they also recognize that drunkenness is always unacceptable Christian behavior; care must be taken to ensure that responsible persons are in control of the serving of alcoholic beverages.

Non-church organizations using church facilities are expected to observe the above guidelines.

The group or organization sponsoring the event at which alcoholic beverages are served must assume moral and legal responsibility for those who might become intoxicated, including the provision of transportation for anyone whose driving might be impaired.

It is the duty of the Priest in charge of the congregation, or in his or her absence, the Senior Warden and the vestry, to assume responsibility for the dissemination of and the observance of these guidelines.

No alcohol shall be consumed or present at children or youth functions or retreats.