Drugs body that wants to ban booze for school fundraisers backs students to study wine industry

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS: Stanthorpe State High School student Lauren Tulloch has learnt about the business side of wine. Picture: Cathy Finch Source: The Courier-Mail

EACH year more than 200 southeast Queensland high school students sign up to study wine tourism courses - learning how to pick, crush and ferment grapes before bottling their work.

But tasting the wine is strictly forbidden.

The wine courses, run in 13 of the state's high schools by the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT), even have the backing of the Australian National Council of Drugs - the same body which yesterday called on principals to ban the use of alcohol in school fundraising activities.

ANCD chairman Dr John Herron yesterday said concerns had been raised about wine-tasting events on school premises and alcohol being raffled.

Yet the same organisation does not have a problem with vocational programs involving alcohol.

In an open letter to principals, the ANCD said it was not trying to curtail legitimate activities.

"The ANCD . . . acknowledges the educationally legitimate role of some schools involving students in vocational programs related to the responsible service of alcohol in hospitality programs and viticulture programmes," the letter said.

For QCWT chief John Neville, that's a relief for both the wine tourism industry in Queensland and the Year 11 and 12 students who study the college's courses.

"How many kids in Australia get a chance to pick grapes and crush them and press them and see the juice extracted - it is unique," Mr Neville said.

For Stanthorpe State High School student Lauren Tulloch her tourism subject, which last year covered wine tourism, has been about opening up opportunities and learning about responsible alcohol consumption.

Last year she went to California to learn about wine making and she now hopes to study commerce.

Yesterday, Education Minister Cameron Dick said a blanket ban on alcohol being used, sold or promoted in school fundraising would be going too far.

"The Government expects school communities to meet the same standards as the general community - and that alcohol should be approached sensibly, responsibly and in moderation," Mr Dick said.

"We understand the council's position but common sense should prevail."

Queensland Secondary Principals Association president Norm Fuller said he believed every principal would now have the ANCD letter on their agenda.