Firstly a bit of context to this: Our Son’s school was holding a fundraiser Bingo night. During the event alcohol (Wine & beer in cans) were sold and there was no incident.

My wife asked the questions what the reason was for selling alcohol on school premises. It got to the point where the head teacher had to step in as one of the PTA lady’s was unable to give a good enough reason to my wife and she got more and more agitated by a simple question asked.

However the answers provided by the head teacher were also less than satisfactory therefore I’ve done a bit of research about this “difficult subject”:

I try to be fair although I will back my wife 100% with this.

The question of whether alcohol should be sold at primary school events is one that generates considerable debate. While some argue that it is a practical means of fundraising and fostering community engagement, others highlight the potential risks it poses to children’s welfare and the broader educational ethos.

As a headteacher, you are tasked with balancing financial sustainability with your duty of care to pupils and the community. This analysis explores the ethical, legal, and public health dimensions of selling alcohol at school events, presenting both the advantages and the challenges to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your school’s values and responsibilities.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

In the UK, the sale of alcohol is regulated under the Licensing Act 2003, which requires a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for any event where alcohol is sold. This includes school-organized functions such as fairs and quiz nights. The law aims to ensure that alcohol sales meet four key objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, reducing public nuisance, and—most relevant to schools—protecting children from harm.

While a TEN allows for legal compliance, the broader concern is whether selling alcohol aligns with the safeguarding role of schools. Regulatory bodies assess each application, but as a school leader, your responsibility extends beyond legal adherence to setting the right example for pupils and ensuring that school events provide a safe, inclusive environment.

One approach that has been suggested by Jones and Smith (2023) is implementing stricter alcohol policies at school events—such as restricting alcohol consumption to designated areas, limiting sales to specific timeframes, and ensuring discreet service without advertisements or promotions. These measures may allow schools to generate fundraising revenue while minimizing children’s exposure to alcohol consumption.

Arguments in Favor of Selling Alcohol at Primary School Events

Pure money aspect

With budget constraints tightening, schools often turn to fundraising to support extracurricular activities, resources, and improvements. Alcohol sales at social events can significantly boost revenue. Research by Pike et al. (2020) indicates that community events with alcohol generate higher attendance and increased spending by parents, providing essential funds that can enhance pupils’ educational experience.

Moreover, Mason and Bell (2019) found that when alcohol is available at fundraising events, parents are more likely to attend and engage in school activities. This fosters stronger relationships between parents and staff, contributing to a more cohesive school community. A well-organized event where alcohol is served responsibly can reinforce the school’s role as a hub for social connection rather than just an educational institution.

Social Norms?

Another consideration is that alcohol is widely accepted in British social culture. Hall and Douglas (2021) argue that restricting alcohol at school events may be viewed as unnecessary paternalism, limiting parents’ freedom to consume alcohol responsibly in a social setting. Many parents see these events as an opportunity to relax and socialize and moderate drinking in a controlled environment does not necessarily contradict the school’s educational mission.

From a psychological standpoint, Bailey et al. (2022) suggest that enforcing strict prohibitions on alcohol may have unintended consequences. Rather than discouraging alcohol use, it may create an environment where it is viewed as taboo, which can lead to counterproductive attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Instead, modelling responsible drinking at school events can serve as a subtle way to teach moderation and balance.

Some also argue that banning alcohol entirely could shift gatherings away from school grounds to private venues where alcohol consumption may be less regulated. Turner and Williams (2023) highlight that by allowing responsible alcohol provision at school events, institutions can maintain oversight and ensure that drinking remains controlled and inoffensive.

Arguments Against Selling Alcohol at Primary School Events

Alcohol is normal?

One of the main concerns is that selling alcohol at school events contributes to the normalization of drinking in environments where children are present. Parker et al. (1998) note that early exposure to alcohol in social settings can shape children’s attitudes towards drinking, potentially leading to increased alcohol use in adolescence and adulthood.

The Drinkaware Foundation (2021) warns that even passive exposure—seeing adults drinking at school functions—can reinforce the perception that alcohol is an integral part of social interaction. Schools play a key role in modelling behaviors and values, and integrating alcohol into school events may send mixed messages about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. This exposure can affect children’s understanding of alcohol and influence their future behavior, often leading to earlier initiation into alcohol use and higher likelihoods of alcohol-related harm in adolescence.

The Dangers of Early Alcohol Exposure: Evidence from Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Research has shown that children in Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) are highly impressionable and form long-term attitudes towards substances such as alcohol based on their environmental exposures. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA, 2020), early exposure to alcohol consumption—whether through witnessing it at social events or through familial patterns—can significantly disrupt a child’s cognitive and emotional development. This is particularly concerning in the primary school years when children’s understanding of social norms is still forming.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2019) reports that children in Key Stage 1 who are regularly exposed to adult drinking behaviours are more likely to develop curiosity about alcohol at a younger age, increasing their risk of early experimentation. Studies indicate that by the age of 7, children can already form positive or negative associations with alcohol, and these early attitudes play a crucial role in their future behaviors.

For children in Key Stage 2, evidence suggests that early exposure contributes to increased risk-taking behaviour, including underage drinking during adolescence. The World Health Organization (2021) found that children aged 8-11 who regularly see alcohol consumed at family or community events are more likely to engage in alcohol use themselves before the legal drinking age. This exposure can also contribute to reduced academic performance, emotional instability, and a greater likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors later in life.

By keeping alcohol away from school events, schools reinforce a message of responsibility and ensure that events remain fully child-centred, promoting a culture of well-being rather than potential harm.

So what does this all mean?

For headteachers and school leadership teams, the decision to permit alcohol sales at school events is not just about financial pragmatism—it is a question of values, responsibility, and community perception. While the financial benefits and increased parental engagement can be significant, these must be weighed against the broader implications for child welfare and the educational message that the school conveys.

The danger of early alcohol exposure cannot be overstated. Evidence from Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 shows that early exposure to alcohol, even indirectly, has significant developmental consequences, increasing the risk of early drinking and problematic behaviour in later life.

A well-considered policy—whether it permits alcohol under strict regulations or prohibits it entirely—should reflect the school’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for pupils. Open discussions with parents, staff, and governing bodies can help ensure that any decision made is in the best interest of both the school community and its long-term ethos.

My take: Surely for a couple of hours – for an event on school premises – adults don’t need alcohol and easily can enjoy themselves but a nice tonic etc.

References

• Bailey, L., et al. (2022). Child Development and Alcohol Exposure: A Psychological Perspective. London: Routledge.
• Drinkaware Foundation. (2021). Children and Alcohol Exposure: Risks and Prevention Strategies.
• Hall, K., & Douglas, M. (2021). Social Norms and Alcohol Consumption in the UK. Oxford University Press.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2020). Alcohol’s Impact on Child Development.
• Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2019). Children, Alcohol, and Mental Health.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Alcohol and Early Exposure: Global Research Findings.