Page 14 - GBC spring 2018 eng

“Golf course owners have every right to dictate the terms of use of their facilities, and allowing customers to use marijuana is not required.”
YOUR CUSTOMERS AND MARIJUANA
The question of marijuana use for customers or members is likely a more complex one.
Golf course owners have every right to dictate the terms of use of their facilities, and allowing customers to use marijuana is not required. In the same way that management of a property could decide not to serve alcohol to guests, the decision not to welcome marijuana use is a legitimate option.
This may create a competitive disadvantage if players wish to use marijuana and other local proper- ties do not have this prohibition. However, in conservative comm- unities where the use of recreational marijuana is less accepted, a club declaring itself “marijuana free” could appeal to a particular market.
Operators should ensure that they know who their customer base is. Some research in terms of the preference of customers in a public facility might be advisable. Surveying and consulting members in a private facility will be essential.
If the decision is made to allow the use of recreational marijuana for customers or members, property managers must consider several issues.
IMPAIRMENT AND LIABILITY
Impairment and liability are legitimate and serious concerns. The use of marijuana is mood-altering and has a functional impact on its users. It reduces both anxiety and inhibitions.
In a safety-sensitive environment like a golf course, where customers are driving motorized vehicles and in daily contact with potentially dangerous equipment, this is of particular concern.
Staff must be trained in recognizing the signs of impairment of all kinds, and must be empowered to take charge of these situations. Management must be very visible in supporting staff in this regard.
It has long been a concern of golf course owners and managers that they may be held liable if a customer consumes too much alcohol at the property and subsequently is charged or is responsible for an accident to himself or to someone else.
Mitigating these damages by ensuring that staff are smart serve trained and alert to the signs of intoxication is the law and a very established practice. Adding marijuana into the mix adds an additional layer of complexity. There is not (yet) a similar education piece to recognize signs of marijuana impairment.
What is the implication of mixing alcohol and marijuana? The studies on this are mixed, but it is clear that mixing substantial quantities of both can cause debilitating effects, including dizziness, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Combining these symptoms with a hot day could be a recipe for disaster.
So what is a golf course to do? As with most things, careful preparation and adherence to guidelines is key. No owner or operator can guarantee that customers will never become impaired on their property.
The expectation is that management will do all it can to ensure a safe experience for all, and this includes the implementation of a strong policy, consistently applied and rigorously enforced. The policy should explicitly state that if staff suspect impairment for any reason, they will do all they can to keep customers safe, up to and including involving the police if necessary.
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