According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), at least 50 percent of all holiday traffic fatalities involve alcohol. If you are hosting a gathering of co-workers, friends, or family this holiday season, follow the precautionary recommendations below to help ensure the safety of your guests, both during and after your party:
Recommendations for an alcohol-safe event
1. Consider hosting an alcohol-free party. According to The National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information, more than half of Americans are not current drinkers.
2. If you do serve alcohol, be sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available.
3. Don’t encourage or force guests to drink alcohol.
4. Provide plenty of food so guests won’t drink on an empty stomach.
5. Prior to the beginning of your party, arrange a designated driver for those who are
drinking alcohol.
6. Never serve alcohol to anyone under age 21.
7. If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base such as fruit juice. Alcohol
is absorbed into the blood stream faster when it has a carbonated base.
8. Stop serving alcohol at least 60 minutes before your party ends. Only time sobers an
individual who has been drinking.
9. Be honest. When inviting guests who are known to drink to excess, tell them that
drinking and driving is unacceptable at your party. Get their agreement to find
alternate modes of transportation.
10. Encourage lively conversation and group activities, such as games that keep the focus
on fun, not alcohol.
11. If some guests have too much to drink, drive them home or arrange for alternate
transportation. Make sure all your guests leave with a sober driver.