Drug And Alcohol

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Amenities Day Spa And Salon is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive workplace for all employees and clients. Working under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts you, your coworkers, and our clients at serious risk - especially in an environment involving sharp tools, chemical products, and hands-on services.

Zero-Tolerance Standard

The salon maintains a zero-tolerance policy for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during work hours. This applies to all employees regardless of position.

"Work hours" includes:

  • Your scheduled shift, including opening and closing duties
  • Breaks taken on the premises
  • Any time you are representing the salon (training sessions, off-site events, trade shows)

Prohibited Conduct

The following are strictly prohibited while on duty, on salon premises, or while representing the salon:

  • Using, possessing, selling, or distributing illegal drugs or controlled substances
  • Consuming alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol
  • Misusing prescription medications - using them in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or in a way that impairs your ability to perform your duties
  • Misusing over-the-counter medications in a way that causes impairment
  • Possessing drug paraphernalia on salon premises

Regarding marijuana: Although recreational marijuana is legal in California, it remains prohibited during work hours and on salon premises. Legal use on your own time does not authorize impairment at work.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

If you take any medication - prescription or over-the-counter - that may cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, or any other side effect that could affect your ability to safely perform your job, you must:

  1. Notify the salon manager before beginning your shift
  2. Provide documentation from your healthcare provider if requested
  3. Work with the salon manager to determine whether temporary task modifications are needed

You will never be penalized for disclosing medication use in good faith. However, failing to disclose medication that impairs your ability to work safely is a policy violation.

When Testing May Occur

The salon reserves the right to require drug and/or alcohol testing in the following circumstances:

  • Reasonable suspicion - when a manager observes behavior, appearance, speech, or performance that suggests impairment (e.g., slurred speech, unsteady movement, smell of alcohol, erratic behavior)
  • Post-incident - following a workplace accident, injury, or near-miss where impairment may have been a contributing factor
  • Return-to-duty - before returning to work after a policy violation, if continued employment was offered

Testing will be conducted by a certified third-party laboratory. You will be transported to the testing facility - do not drive yourself. Refusal to submit to a required test is treated as a positive result.

What Happens If You Violate This Policy

Violations are handled through the Progressive Discipline process, but the severity of drug and alcohol violations may warrant accelerated action, up to and including immediate termination.

Examples of violations and likely outcomes:

  • Being under the influence at work - immediate removal from the floor; suspension pending investigation; likely termination
  • Possession of illegal substances on premises - immediate termination and potential law enforcement referral
  • Selling or distributing substances on premises - immediate termination and law enforcement referral
  • Positive drug or alcohol test - suspension pending review; termination or last-chance agreement at management's discretion
  • Refusing a required test - treated as a positive result

All violations will be documented in writing. See Progressive Discipline for the full disciplinary framework.

Safe Harbor - Asking for Help

If you are struggling with substance use and come forward voluntarily and before a policy violation occurs, the salon will work with you to connect you with resources. Asking for help is not a disciplinary event.

Resources available to you:

  • SAMHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7 referral and information service)
  • California Department of Health Care Services - dhcs.ca.gov for information on Medi-Cal covered substance use treatment
  • Speak privately with the salon manager to discuss options - conversations will be kept confidential to the extent possible

Safe harbor does not apply if you disclose a substance issue only after being asked to take a test, after an incident, or after a violation has already been observed.

Manager Responsibilities

Managers play a critical role in enforcing this policy fairly and consistently. For detailed guidance on recognizing signs of impairment, documenting observations, and handling reasonable-suspicion situations, see the Drug and Alcohol - Manager Reference.

Questions about this policy should be directed to the salon manager. This policy complies with California law, including protections under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) for employees in recovery programs.

Last reviewed: March 2026