Hosting a party is a one of those responsibilities.
Parties are supposed to be fun - for the guests. When alcohol is being served as part of the festivities, the wise host will stay sober. If a problem arises, he will need to think clearly and act quickly.
When you entertain, you can be held legally responsible for the safety and welfare of your guests whether they are in your home, on your property, or at any party or function you organize, even if it is held at another location. Carelessness or inattention to the duties you've assumed can lead not only to serious legal consequences, but to a lifetime of guilt, sadness and regret.
Plan ahead. Alcohol-related problems can minimized or avoided by following a few simple rules.
(1). Be aware of which of your guests are under the legal age to consume alcohol. In the United States it's 21, in most of Canada, 19. Keep a watchful eye on young people. They may try to prove how "adult" they are by slipping in a beer or cocktail when they think they're unobserved.
(2). If any physical activities are planned, such as skiing or snowmobiling, do these before opening the bar. Drinking alcohol slows reflexes, removes inhibitions and impairs judgement.
(3). Designate an experienced bartender, or serve drinks yourself. Measure the alcohol content of drinks carefully and don't serve doubles. Do not leave the bar unattended.
(4). Before the party, ask a reliable friend to help keep things under control, in case someone drinks more than he or she should. Both of you, and the bartender should be familiar with the signs of intoxication.
(5). If you are serving punch containing alcohol, choose a base that is non-carbonated, such as fruit juice. Carbonation enables the body to absorb alcohol faster.
(4). Never make alcohol the main focus for the gathering. The celebration should be in honor of a birthday, a wedding or another special occasion.
(6). Have food available during the party. It slows absorption of alcohol into the blood stream. Good choices for snacks and munchies include meats, veggies, cheese, unsalted crackers and other high-protein or high-starch fare. Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy food. It will make guests thirstier.
(7). If someone doesn't wish to drink, don't pressure him. Offer lots of non-alcoholic choices: mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, a variety of pop, coffee, tea, bottled water and fruit juices.
(8). Close the bar at least an hour before the party is over. Bring in desserts, coffee, tea, water, and sodas. Remember though, coffee is not a magic potion. It will not make someone who is intoxicated, suddenly sober.
(9). Do whatever is necessary to stop one of your guests from driving drunk. Hide his shoes or his keys, call her a cab and pay the fare, insist he sleep overnight, enlist one of her friends to give her a ride home, speak to him calmly and in private, and explain that, as his friend, you can't let him drive drunk. In case he resists, have a mutual friend speak him again in the same manner.
If he still resists and heads for his car, don't hesitate to alert the police. You may forfeit a friendship, but you could be saving a life. Most importantly, you'll be able to face yourself in the mirror the next morning.
Hosting an event at which alcohol is served is a huge responsibility, but it is also worthwhile. At some future time, each guest may invite you back to one of his parties. Then, at last, you'll be able to relax, enjoy yourself and join in the fun. The next host will have to take his turn at fussing and fretting about keeping his guests safe and secure while they are enjoying his hospitality.
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