Along with carefully planning your event and getting organized, use these suggestions to:
- help you reduce the risks of alcohol-related problems when you entertain; and
- ensure your guests arrive home safely.
Responsible hosting tips:
- Never make drinking the focus of your event. Be sure to offer your guests alcohol-free alternatives such as a mocktail, pop, juice, water or coffee.
- Do not plan sports or physical activities when you serve liquor. People are generally more prone to injury or mishap after drinking.
- Serve plenty of high-starch, high-protein foods so no one drinks on an empty stomach. Salty, sweet and greasy snack foods increase thirst.
- Serve measured drinks or appoint a bartender – guests tend to drink more when there's an open bar.
- If you serve punch with alcohol, use a non-carbonated base, such as fruit juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation.
- Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party ends. Offer guests desserts, coffee and other alcohol-free drinks.
- Make a plan to deal with any guests that drink too much. Ask someone responsible to help you track the situation.
- Drink moderately yourself, so you’re better able to avoid problems.
- Find out how guests will be getting home from your party. Be prepared to ask for car keys and have cash and taxi numbers handy.
- Do whatever it takes to keep anyone who has been drinking from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Be prepared for overnight guests – just in case!