Harmful substances policy

Alcohol, drugs and smoking all affect judgement, coordination and behaviour. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow reaction times and impair decision‑making. Legal and illegal drugs can also change behaviour and affect someone’s ability to act safely. Smoking and vaping expose others to harm and set an unhealthy example. 

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Young people learn by watching the adults around them. When adults smoke, vape or use alcohol or drugs in front of young people, it can make these behaviours look normal or even appealing. This can glamorise them and increase risk. As leaders, trustees and adult volunteers, we act as role models and must show behaviour that supports young people to make safe, healthy choices.

Because of these risks, we expect all adults to: 

• avoid using alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping in front of young people, 

• prevent young people under 18 using alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping, 

• avoid any behaviour that could appear unsafe or irresponsible, 

• support young people to understand the risks linked to alcohol, drugs and smoking, 

• follow the Yellow Card safeguarding code at all times, and 

• follow the Green Card policy on alcohol at all times. 

This approach helps us protect young people, promote good role modelling and keep all Scouting activities safe. 

We aim to provide a safe, healthy environment. Adults may choose to smoke, but young people must not be exposed to smoking or vaping. 

Smoking and vaping are not allowed: 

• on any Scout Group property 

• in buildings used for Scouting 

• in tents 

• in all Group vehicles or private vehicles used for Scouting activities 

• by anyone under 18 

Where adults are present for more than two hours, a designated outdoor smoking area will be provided if needed. Adults must not smoke or vape in front of young people and must keep smoking or vaping materials out of their reach. 

The effects of smoking and vaping will be discussed with Scouts to help them make informed decisions. 

Our Group follows national guidance on alcohol use, summarised by the Green Card. The key expectations are: 

• Under 18s must not drink alcohol under any circumstances. 

• There must be the correct ratio of adults responsible for young people at all times. 

• If you are responsible for young people, you must not drink alcohol. 

• If you are not directly responsible for young people and you do drink alcohol, you must still follow the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card). 

• If you are drinking when ‘off duty’, you should consider how alcohol may affect your ability to carry out your Scouts duties when back on duty.  

• Young people must know who is responsible for them at all times. 

Any concern that someone’s behaviour is affected by drugs or other substances must be reported to the Group Lead Volunteer, who will follow safeguarding procedures (Yellow Card). 

Illegal drugs 

Possessing, supplying or producing illegal drugs is a criminal offence. If anyone is suspected of having illegal drugs, this must be reported immediately to the Section Leader or Group Lead Volunteer. They must then report the matter to the police. 

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Legal highs 

Legal highs can be as harmful as illegal drugs. They are not allowed at any Scouting event. Concerns must be reported following the Yellow Card. 

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Prescription and over‑the‑counter medication 

These medicines are safe when used correctly but can be harmful if misused. 

Adults must not give medication to a young person without consent from a parent or carer, except in an emergency. 

If a young person needs prescribed medication, parents must give full details to the leader in charge so it can be stored and administered safely. 

Adults must store their own medication securely and out of reach of young people. 

12 June 2026