Page 16 - GBC spring 2018 eng

NON-SMOKING AREAS
The enjoyment of the property by guests who choose not to partake in marijuana use, and the comfort and safety of staff must also be taken into account.
Non-smoking areas should be rigorously enforced, and consideration should be given to moving them further away from buildings and areas populated by golfers and staff who might not want to come into contact with second hand smoke – of either the tobacco or marijuana variety.
Marijuana smoke has tendency to cling to clothing more than cigarette smoke, which could create an issue for smokers entering into buildings that have a scent- free policy. If complaints are made, smokers may have to be asked to avoid sensitive areas when they have been smoking.
In the same way that a policy is an important document in the management of potential substance use on the behalf of staff, a code of conduct or similar document can be helpful to staff in assisting them in their role to ensure a consistently pleasant and safe experience for everyone at the golf course.
It is likely that most clubs have set out expectations for on-course matters such as care of the course and pace of play. Similarly, there should be expectations surrounding substance use and respectful behavior to fellow players and staff.
SELLING MARIJUANA ON THE COURSE
Some owners have suggested that selling marijuana on the course could provide a signi cant new source of revenue. In most jurisdictions in Canada, it is unlikely that this will be permitted, since distribution will be closely controlled.
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In areas where this might be permitted, owners should be aware that supplying marijuana on the course may increase their liability in the event of overconsumption and a subsequent tragic event. The potential new revenue opportunity should be carefully considered in the context of the risks involved.
Investing in appropriate professional advice is a good decision in most cases, and is de nitely a very smart decision as the use of marijuana becomes a way of life at many golf courses. Discussing policy development with a Human Resource professional, and ensuring that you have the appropriate legal sign off is important. If the decision is made to sell marijuana on the course, a legal opinion on how to best protect owners and managers is crucial.
THE NEW REALITY
Golf is a game rooted in tradition. The rules, the etiquette, even the dress code, are all part of the allure of golf. A round of golf has long been a disciplined and structured experience.
However, in the last number of decades, much has changed and evolved in the golf business. Mobile phones and related technology, once banned on most golf courses, are now a part of the day-to-day experience. Even the dress code has evolved.
As one of the attendees at the 2017 Golf Business Canada Conference & Trade Show said to me: “Marijuana is the new denim.” Wise words! A decade ago, one would have never worn a pair of jeans to the golf course, and there are some courses that still have not embraced even designer denim. Today, many have embraced denim, perhaps recognizing that nothing is truly lost in the experience of a round of golf when a few of the players are in jeans.
Needless to say, the wearing of denim does not equate to the use of marijuana on the course. There are signi cant issues that need to be addressed in this area. The recreational marijuana will be legal in Canada, likely in 2018. All businesses need to educate themselves and prepare for this new (potentially slightly altered!) reality. Golf
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