Responsible Hosting

Reduce the risks of alcohol-related problems when entertaining and help ensure guests arrive home as safely as they come. Always treat alcohol with respect.

Here are some suggestions to help reduce the risks of alcohol-related problems when entertaining and to help ensure your guests arrive home safely.

• Always provide low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, such as mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, pop, bottled water, tea and coffee.
• Serve snacks with drinks and always have food available throughout the party so no one drinks on an empty stomach. Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy snack foods that make guests thirstier. High-starch and protein foods such as meats, veggies, cheeses, light dips and breads are better choices.
• Don't plan strenuous activities when you serve alcohol. This is how accidents and injuries happen.
• Serve drinks yourself or designate a bartender instead of having an open bar (guests who serve themselves tend to drink more). Avoid serving doubles and keep a shot glass next to the bottles – good measurement makes all the difference.
• Promote the use of designated drivers and keep cash and telephone numbers on hand for taxis. Encourage your guests to leave their cars at home and take public transportation or cabs. Never allow guests to drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
• Stop serving alcoholic beverages at least an hour before the party is over. Serve alcohol-free drinks (bottled water, juice, coffee and tea) and food. Remember, however, that having coffee after drinking doesn't make you sober.
• As the host, drink minimally or not at all, so you can think clearly and act quickly to deal with or avoid potential problems.

Always keep in mind that, as the host, you can be held responsible for what happens to your guests while they’re in your home, on your property, or at any function you organize regardless of the location.