Responsible Hosting
For the Host
If you are hosting an event at your home, you
no doubt feel a sense of responsibility for your guests. Here are
some tips that may help make your event a success:
- Make sure everyone has money for cabs or public
transit, or make up your spare room or couch for
unexpected overnight guests.
- Just say no. Politely, but firmly, tell them
you cannot let them drive home because you care. You may
find this difficult to do, but your actions could save a life.
- You may want to pay the fare in advance for a friend.
That's one way to show you really care.
- Have a sleepover. This way you won't have to
drive and your guest or friend won't have to return the next day
for the car.
- Parking plan. If you’re having a party at your
house and parking is limited, arrange for a few overnight parking
spots – either with your neighbours, or in a nearby lot that is secure.
- Gotcha! Hide something of theirs they can’t
leave without – like their shoes.
- Reach out and touch someone. If they have a
cell phone, ask them who on their speed-dial that they can
call for a ride.
- Equal opportunity. Offer all guests – not just
designated drivers – an assortment of alcohol-free drinks:
Mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, bottled water and coffee.
- Adults only. Remember that the legal drinking
age in New Brunswick is 19.
- Have a game plan. Plan ahead to help minimize
risks for you and your guests.
- Put the drinks on ice. If you’re serving
alcohol at your party, enjoy it after any physical activities end.
Drinking and driving, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling or snowboarding
simply don’t mix.
- Take the fizz out. Use a non-carbonated base
such as fruit juice for alcoholic punches. Carbonation makes
the body absorb alcohol faster.
- Your serve. Serve drinks yourself or appoint a
reliable friend as bartender – guests drink more at open bar.
And remember, measuring is a must.
- Chow down. Serve plenty of high-starch,
high-protein foods so your guests don’t drink on an empty stomach.
Salty, sweet or greasy snack foods increase thirst.
- Last call. Close down your bar at least an hour
before the party officially ends. Offer guests desserts, coffee
and other non-alcoholic drinks.
- Happy trails. Do whatever it takes to prevent
drinking and driving. Encourage designated drivers, keep cash
and taxi numbers on hand and prepare for
overnight guests. Be prepared to
take car keys away and never ride
in vehicle with anyone who has been drinking.
The host with the most. Drink moderately, so
you can react quickly and avoid problems.
HERE ARE SOME HINTS ON HOW TO GET THE KEYS
FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN DRINKING AND
INTENDS TO DRIVE:
- Be calm. Joke about it. Make light of it.
- Make it clear that you're doing them a favour by
taking their keys.
- Find the keys while they are distracted and take them
away. They'll probably think they've lost them and will
be forced to let someone else drive.
- If it’s a close friend, be soft and calm. Speak
to him or her privately and suggest that they let someone else
drive, or take a cab or public transit.
- If it’s a good friend, partner, or loved one, refuse
to get in the car with them. Tell him or her you will ride with
someone else, take public transportation, or walk.
- If you don't know the person well, speak to their
friends and ask them to help get the keys. Even if you do know
someone well, it’s a good idea to enlist someone else’s help in case you
encounter some resistance.
Thanks to LCBO for sharing their responsible
hosting tips.
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