Alcohol Policy

[FLHX - 07]

Earlier this year (after POT) our chapter adopted a zero tolerance alcohol policy on all chapter rides. As always however, after kickstands down, it was party time!

In the past our chapter NEVER had any alcohol problems (21 years). No one would ever arrive intoxicated or even having been drinking as far as anyone knew. If we stopped during a ride for chow, most would have a beer, maybe two. We have a very responsible group.

Now we go to Milwaukee. Beer is available everywhere! Yeah HOG and HD is not responsible as they pass liability to the vendors. However, they still made sure those vendors were there. I know this is nothing new for HD/HOG, they preach one thing to us and do the other everywhere they go.

We have lost some members because of our policy. It's not that they needed or even wanted a drink during a ride. It's the simple fact people don't want to be told when and where they can have a drink. I agree and so do many of our officers. I think we're ready to go back the way we were.

Just wondering what some of your thoughts are.

[mungo]

I have to wonder. If you go through an effort to instate a policy like then, then repeal it, what happens to your chapter's liability should someone get into an unfortunate situation on an organized ride? (legal standpoint) By repealing the policy a good lawyer could make a persuasive argument that drinking was actually encouraged.

[elPrez]

We have always had a no drinking till the last stop (official end of the ride) and there have been no problems.

[michae2250]

Having policies, including alcohol, is a really good idea. Policies protect the chapter from idiots doing stupid things.

By chapter I mean everyone, members and officers alike.

We have a no alcohol while riding policy, too. Road captains announce this before every ride.

[Strick28]

Originally Posted by 98RKC

We have always had a no drinking till the last stop (official end of the ride) and there have been no problems.

Same with our group never a problem...

[ViennaHog]

What happened to personal responsibility? When I read posts like the above my head begins to hurt. If you drink and ride, it's your fault and not anybody else's. What's so difficult to understand?

[Bowtie18]

I think having the no alchohol policy is fine. As some others have already said, it does protect the group from liability.

Of course, it also makes the rides safer, which is more important to me.

[mikevr007]

Originally Posted by ViennaHog

What happened to personal responsibility? When I read posts like the above my head begins to hurt. If you drink and ride, it's your fault and not anybody else's. What's so difficult to understand?

However, this is the U.S., the litigation capital of the world.


I still agree though....

[Mark F Barnes]

Don't drink so it's no issue for me, however I will not ride with drunks, not to mention it's against the law. Just my two Lincolns.

[MountainMan]

Originally Posted by ViennaHog

What happened to personal responsibility? When I read posts like the above my head begins to hurt. If you drink and ride, it's your fault and not anybody else's. What's so difficult to understand?

When you ride in a tight formation under the influence of alcohol you become a danger to those around you. If you ride in a group the only responsible thing to do is not to drink.

Having a no alcohol policy to protect the group from liability isn't the main reason to have one. Saving lives of chapter members is.

MM

[ViennaHog]

Originally Posted by MountainMan

When you ride in a tight formation under the influence of alcohol you become a danger to those around you. If you ride in a group the only responsible thing to do is not to drink.

Having a no alcohol policy to protect the group from liability isn't the main reason to have one. Saving lives of chapter members is.

MM

That I understand and it makes perfect sense. But liability protection as key reason to adopt a zero tolerance policy does not.

[steveusmc]

Originally Posted by MountainMan

When you ride in a tight formation under the influence of alcohol you become a danger to those around you. If you ride in a group the only responsible thing to do is not to drink.

Having a no alcohol policy to protect the group from liability isn't the main reason to have one. Saving lives of chapter members is.

MM

Agree 110%.

The no-alcohol rule is absolutely the best policy for any oragnized ride. I certainly don't want to ride in front of a person I may or may not know who has been drinking...maybe to excess. That is what happens when groups stop at several places such as for Poker Runs or other rides for good causes. I have seen many guys who will drink several beers at every stop. Not good.
I'm not ranting against people who want to enjoy a cold drink but the fact is there are always a very small percent who get "over the limit" and they actually think they are okay....but probably are not if an emergency situation arises.

Sorry to ramble.

[Uncle Salty]

Originally Posted by FLHX - 07

It's the simple fact people don't want to be told when and where they can have a drink.

That's one reason why I stopped riding in HOG organized events and didn't renew my membership.

I understand why the local HOG chapters have the rule. I don't have a problem with the rule. It's their group, they make the rules. But it's ironic when the local dealer has events with free beer.

[mungo]

Originally Posted by ViennaHog

What happened to personal responsibility?

God - I ask myself that same question everyday...

[TexasBob]

Originally Posted by Uncle Salty

But it's ironic when the local dealer has events with free beer.

Free beer? I wish. You may not have to pay for it outside the store but that is more than made up for when you go inside. (Harley Tax)

At least our dealer has a limit of two beers per person. Is it enforced? Who knows, I'm drinking water.