Alcohol, drugs and smoking

Under UK law, it's illegal for under-18s to buy alcohol. Children and young people must never drink alcohol on Scout activities.

The Yellow Card Code of Conduct for Adults says that adult volunteers must not drink alcohol when they are directly responsible for children and young people in Scouts. They must never allow under-18s to drink alcohol on Scout activities.

Our Green Card Scouting and Alcohol Checklist for Adults sets out our policy on alcohol for all adults involved in Scouting.

If you’re concerned that a young person or adult may be affected by alcohol misuse, follow the Yellow Card Code of Conduct for Adults and report the concern to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Under UK law, it's a crime to possess, deal or produce what is termed an illegal drug. You can find out more about drugs penalties on the Government website. So-called ‘legal highs’ can have the same harmful effect as illegal drugs, and taking over the counter drugs incorrectly can be unsafe. There is more guidance on drugs from Childline. 

If you're concerned that a young person or adult's behaviour is being affected by substance misuse, you must follow the Yellow Card Code of Conduct for Adults and report the concern to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

If you suspect that a young person or adult is in possession of illegal drugs, you must contact the police by calling 999 or 112, and then inform the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Legislation

Under UK law, smoking is banned in public places. Smoking is therefore banned in all Scout buildings, including premises which are rented, vehicles, and marquees and tents on campsites. Buildings and vehicles must have clear no smoking signs in line with legislation. Smoke Free England provides further information on Smoke Free legislation and signage.

Adults and smoking

All adults in Scouting follow the Yellow Card Code of Conduct for Adults and must act as a role model, inside and outside of Scouts. To protect children and young people, it's important that no adult volunteer smokes around them. Ideally, we'd like everyone to stop smoking, but we recognise that people have a choice, and this includes our volunteers.

Adult volunteers who smoke should try not to smoke during a section meeting. Most section meetings run for two hours or less, and it's reasonable to expect an adult to be able to not smoke for such a short period of time. If an adult volunteer smokes, they must make sure that they don't subject any child, young person or adult to their smoke. For example, on a weekend camp an adult volunteer who smokes should arrange a place that's out of sight and away from children and young people. Great care should be taken on camp, especially around tents and in wooded areas due to the increased fire risk.

Supporting young people who smoke

We all have a responsibility to make sure we offer Scouting to young people in a safe environment. It's unacceptable for adult volunteers to allow children and young people under the age of 18 to smoke while in their care.

Adult volunteers may come across young people who choose to smoke. The aim should be to inform the young person of the harmful effect of smoking on themselves and others, speaking to parents and carers and directing to relevant support.