Norwescon Policies
CHILD & TEEN RULES
The Norwescon convention committee welcomes young and future fans. Please refer to the pocket program guide for information about programming for children, tweens and teens. Children attending Norwescon must be registered convention attendees and wear their convention badge. Parents must have a permission slip on file at registration. Parents or adults guardians must accompany children under 12 years of age of at all times.
WEAPONS POLICY
For the safety and comfort of all members some weapons are not allowed at Norwescon, (please see paragraph below for details). All weapons that are allowed must display a valid official Norwescon peacebond. The only type of peacebonding allowed is that provided by the convention. Fashion coordinated substitutes are not sufficient. The only exceptions to peace bonding rules are weapons that have been approved for display on stage during the Masquerade, during programming specifically designed for weapons display, wares displayed by dealers in the Dealers Room, and as an entry or display in the Art Show. Bonding ties will be removed for such an event and replaced immediately afterward. Failure to comply with the weapons and peacebonding policy will result in immediate expulsion from the convention and hotel property. Peacebonding and answers to questions about this policy is available at the Information Table and from Norwescon security volunteers. Remember: if it's drawn, it's gone.
The following weapons are not allowed: crossbows, slingshots, pellet guns, bows and arrows, water pistols, blowguns, catapults or any type of functioning projectile weapon—loaded or unloaded (no real guns)—or any device that could be construed as a projectile weapon or any extension of the human hand. The only exceptions are non-functioning replicas that are kept in their holsters or daggers, knives, and swords that are kept in their sheaths. Spears and staves must be no longer than six feet in length and the end of said devices must never project more than 12 inches from the bearer’s body. All blades will be covered while in all public areas and function spaces. Please remember to keep your poles and staves upright at all times.
DRINKING
I f you must drive, please let others know, so that they can help you stay away from alcohol (whatever form it takes) and stay sober so that you arrive at your destination safely. If you plan to drink, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not drive. There is another topic under the heading of responsible drinking which is a touchy subject... persons under 21 indulging in alcohol and other drugs. We, the Norwescon Committee, are realistic enough to know that if a young adult is determined to drink, it is not always possible to stop them. We do require that all parties serving alcohol check ID. Washington law forbids serving alcohol to minors with the exception of your own children and then only in your own home when there are no visitors. Responsible imbibing by those over 21 (that means not getting falling down drunk or becoming a menace to yourself and others) will not be noticed as much, and the heavy hand of the hotel detective and/or our Site Services director may not be felt. We want all of our members to have a good time at Norwescon, and we want you all to return home safely.
PARTIES
Guest rooms in Wing 5b and suites will be available for social events. A “social event” is a reception or open house type event held in a guest room in Wing 5b or a hotel suite. Food and beverages may be served in compliance with hotel, state and local regulations. Maximum occupancy guidelines will be enforced. Service of alcohol must be in accordance with Washington State Liquor Control Board provisions. A special occasion license or banquet permit must be obtained and posted in the suite. Events that do not qualify for a special license or permit must not serve alcohol. Alcohol service times must be in accordance with state regulations. Social Event guidelines will be posted on the Norwescon web site by October prior to the convention.
SMOKING
Washington State law states that smoking is prohibited within a presumptively reasonable minimum distance of twenty-five feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited so as to ensure that tobacco smoke does not enter the area through entrances, exits, open windows, or other means. Smoking areas at the hotel are clearly marked.
ANIMALS
Service animals only are allowed in Norwescon function space. Service animals will be issued convention identification at registration. Contact the hotel for their rules about animals in the guest rooms and public hotel areas.
FLYERS
Flyers may be posted only on the paper or cloth covered kiosks that we have provided. Check at the Information Table for locations. Do not attach anything to walls, windows, or doors. The hotel and/or the convention will remove any flyers found in unauthorized places.
SLEEPING IN HALLS AND STAIRWAYS
One word to say on this subject... Don't.
