MVWS Member’s Code of Conduct

1. Purpose, Scope, & Governance

The Society is a non-profit dedicated to whiskey education and camaraderie. This Code applies to the physical lounge, official digital platforms (Discord/Facebook), and all Society-affiliated events or barrel picks.

  • Governance: The Board of Directors (President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, Lounge/Events Managers) holds ultimate authority over interpretation and enforcement.
  • Acknowledgment: Maintaining membership constitutes acceptance of these terms. Members are responsible for ensuring their guests understand these expectations.

     

2. Membership Responsibilities

  • General Conduct: Members must act with integrity as ambassadors of the Society.
  • Security & Access: Access codes are strictly personal and non-transferable. Compromised codes must be reported to the Lounge Manager immediately.
  • Standing & Dues: Members must remain current on dues. Executive Members must also fulfill quarterly bottle/supply donation requirements to maintain good standing.
  • Commercial Activity: Personal sales, solicitations, or use of the Society brand/logo require prior Board approval.

     

3. Lounge Rules & The Whiskey Library

The lounge is a shared resource for members in good standing. Executive Members have access 7a - 12a daily; full & social members at events and gatherings.

  • Library Conduct: Members may pour from any bottle (excluding restricted barrel-pick signatures) for on-premise consumption only. Bottles must not be removed from the lounge or monopolized.
  • Upkeep: Members must wash/return glassware, dispose of trash, and report any damage to the Lounge Manager.
  • Atmosphere: Smoking/vaping is prohibited inside. Illegal substances result in immediate membership termination.
  • Media: Recording other individuals or security features without consent is prohibited.

     

4. Responsible Consumption

The Society prioritizes safety over consumption.

  • Impairment: Arriving impaired or reaching a state of physical/verbal impairment on-site is prohibited. The Board may deny entry or require a member/guest to leave the premises.
  • Pouring: Excessive or wasteful pouring is contrary to Society values.
  • Transportation: Safe transportation (rideshare/sober drivers) is strongly encouraged.

     

5. Guest Policy

  • Allowance: Members in good standing are permitted one guest per visit.
  • Eligibility: All guests must be 21+; the sponsoring member is responsible for age verification.
  • Responsibility: The sponsoring member must remain with their guest at all times. The member assumes full liability for their guest’s conduct, including any violations of this Code.
  • Exceptions:
    • Lounge: Extra guests require 48-hour notice and may require additional donations.
    • Events: Guest allowances do not apply to member-only ticketed events and are waived for public-facing events (e.g., Whiskey Wednesday).

       

6. Harassment & Digital Conduct

The Society maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct in person or on digital platforms .

  • Digital Platforms: Conduct on Discord and Facebook must remain respectful. Prohibited content includes misinformation, spam, and  circumvention of lounge security features and practices.
  • Physical Safety: Aggression or unwanted physical contact will result in immediate removal and potential permanent ban.

     

7. Property & Theft

Theft of Society or personal property is a grave violation.

  • Removal of Alcohol: Removing any portion of a bottle from the library is prohibited and leads to immediate disciplinary action.
  • Exception: Fully depleted, empty standard bottles may be taken at the member's discretion.
  • Damage: Members are financially responsible for intentional or negligent damage caused by themselves or their guests.

     

8. Enforcement & Appeals

  • Reporting: Violations should be reported to a Board member by email or in person. Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.
  • Actions: The Board may issue warnings, suspend access, or terminate membership . In cases of safety risks, the Board may remove an individual immediately without warning.
  • Appeals: Written appeals must be submitted within 14 days of a disciplinary decision; Board rulings on appeals are final.