Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol Policy

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1. Aim
1.1 Ola is committed to providing a safe driving environment so far as is reasonably practicable, in which all drivers and customers are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The use of drugs and alcohol may impact on a driver’s capacity to drive safely and efficiently, thereby posing a risk to the safety of our driver, customers and the public alike.

1.2 This smoking, drugs and alcohol zero tolerance policy for customers outlines Ola’s commitment to a safe environment and is aimed at preventing, or minimising, any risk of injury or harm to the safety of our drivers, passengers or others, from the use of cigarettes, alcohol or drugs within a vehicle. It describes the standards of behaviour expected in relation to the use of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol, the responsibilities of Ola customers and the consequences of breaching the policy.

2. Scope
2.1 This policy applies to:

  • all registered Ola customers (collectively referred to as customers);

3. Definitions
3.1 The following are terms used in this policy:

‘drugs’ — include illegal drugs, prescription or pharmacy drugs, or synthetic drugs as defined below.

‘illegal drugs’ — include:

  • any drug prohibited by Australian State, Territory or Federal law or any other laws (including foreign and international laws) to which Ola is subject or which apply to the work performed at or for Ola;
  • prescription or pharmacy drugs (as defined below) which are used without the necessary prescription, or for non-medical purposes;
  • any synthetic drug (whether prohibited by law or not), being a psychoactive herbal and/or chemical product which, when consumed, mimics the effects of a prohibited drug, for example synthetic cannabis (aka ‘Kronic’).

‘Customer Care’ — means Ola’s managers, supervisors, team leaders (whichever are relevant) and all employees with supervisory responsibilities.

‘prescription drugs’ — mean lawful drugs which are prescribed by a medical practitioner for a diagnosed medical purpose and issued by a pharmacist.  

‘pharmacy drugs’ — mean drugs which are lawfully available at Australian pharmacies (without a prescription) and are required for a legitimate medical purpose.

‘under the influence’ — means that a person’s faculties are impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol to the extent that the person is unfit to be travelling in an Ola ride.

4. Responsibilities
4.1 Rider’s responsibilities

All riders must:

  • comply with this policy;
  • observe all directions from Ola in regards to this policy; and
  • recognise that smoking cigarettes and the consumption of drugs and alcohol in a vehicle is dangerous and illegal;

Except as set out in this policy, riders must not:

  • manufacture, possess, distribute, sell, purchase, use or consume illegal drugs while using Ola. Such conduct constitutes serious misconduct. It may also constitute a criminal offence, in which case Ola may notify the police, or other appropriate government authority;
  • Smoke cigarettes, consume alcohol and/or drugs whilst using Ola

4.2 Responsibilities of Ola:

Ola is responsible for ensuring that this policy is readily available to riders. This includes ensuring that:

  • They are familiar with and understand this Policy;
  • The behaviour of riders adheres with the policy;
  • any concerns or issues are addressed proactively and expediently to ensure the safety of all drivers and customers;
  • support is provided to drivers and customers where appropriate; and
  • any suspected breaches of this policy are acted on promptly and in accordance with this policy.

5. What will Ola do if a report is made of a rider breaching this policy?

  • Ola has an obligation to provide a safe environment for its drivers and customers, so far as is reasonably practicable. To ensure a safe environment, no rider is to smoke cigarettes or consume drugs or alcohol in the vehicle while using Ola.
  • If Ola reasonably suspects that a rider has smoked cigarettes or consumed drugs or alcohol during a trip, Ola may take the following action, which includes but is not limited to:
    • investigating the matter to attempt to determine whether the rider was breaching this policy;
    • requesting all available evidence from the driver;
    • reporting the matter to the authorities.
    • Banning the customer from the Ola platform.