Tips for a safe holiday
Published 2:18 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Submitted by the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition
With the holiday season in full swing, many of us will be hosting and/or attending holiday parties. With that in mind, below are some reminders that will assist you in having a safe and enjoyable party:
1) Control access to the alcohol you provide.
*Avoid serving from common sources such as kegs or punch bowls.
*Consider hiring a trained professional to serve drinks at your party.
*Be sure that whoever does pour the drinks is not consuming alcohol and monitors other guests’ consumption.
2) Offer soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water and coffee so that your quests have an alternative to alcohol.
3) Allow guests to have only one drink at a time. Discourage competitive or rapid drinking.
4) Provide plenty of appetizers, snacks and other foods.
5) Plan entertainment and other activities so that drinking alcohol is not the primary focus of the party
6) Model appropriate behavior for your quests and be sure to communication that becoming intoxicated is unacceptable.
7) Remember, it is illegal to serve alcohol to young adults under the age of 21.
8) Sip servicing alcohol beverages at least one hour before the party ends. Encourage guests to stay for a while and enjoy a soda or coffee.
9) Make sure anyone who is visibly intoxicated does not receive any more alcohol and is not left alone. Even if the guest is not driving, an impaired guests can be injured or injure others in many ways, not just in a car.
10) When necessary, provide alternate transportation for impaired guests. Either call a cab, or enlist the help of sober friends to take the impaired guest home.
