What does Sober Consent mean?

Sober consent means every participant is clear-minded enough to understand what is being discussed or considered, communicate freely, and make a voluntary choice. It supports the same essentials as any consent: it is informed, specific, reversible, and ongoing. A person who is intoxicated, unusually impaired, or unable to communicate clearly cannot give reliable agreement; pause the conversation and revisit it when everyone is alert.

In practice, agree in advance on a sober baseline and check in plainly before making plans. Alcohol or other substances can blur boundaries, slow responses, and make later recall uncertain, even when no one intends harm. If anyone seems impaired, feels unsure, or cannot answer directly, treat that as a stop, not an invitation to persuade. Consent can be renewed later while sober, and a no or hesitation deserves immediate respect.