Social Host Responsibility - What is it?

This phrase encompasses everything from planning the party menu to assessing how guests will get home safely once the party is over.  Your role as a responsible party host can keep your friends and loved ones safe.

What every host needs to know:

• Don't rely on coffee to sober up your guests.  Only time can make someone sober.
• Beer and wine are just as intoxicating as hard liquor.  A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler and an ounce and a half of liquor contain the same amount of alcohol.
• Don't rely on someone's physical appearance to determine if he or she has had too much to drink.
• Mixers won't help dilute alcohol.  Carbonated mixers like club soda or tonic water cause alcohol to be absorbed into a person's system more quickly.  Fruit juice and other sweet mixers mask the taste of alcohol and may cause people to drink more.

Office Parties:

• Arrange for discounted or complimentary rooms when a party is held at a hotel so employees won't drive home impaired.
• Hire a shuttle or limousine service to provide transportation for those that have been drinking.  Promote the designated driver concept in party invitations.
• Do not push drinks!
• If you provide an open bar, be sure the bartender has had server training to prevent over-serving and serving guests under the legal drinking age.
• Hold a contest for employees to create non-alcoholic drink recipes.

If a Guest is Drinking Too Much:

How do I approach one of my guests who has had too much  to drink?  I mean, I don't want to lose a friend.  The first time is the hardest, but your actions could save your friend's life or that of an innocent victim.  Pull your guest aside and politely, but firmly tell them that you cannot let them drive home because you care.  Offer to let the guest spend the night, call a cab, or ask a sober guest to drive the intoxicated person home.

How will I be held responsible if one of my guests is involved in a crash?  The laws vary from state to state, but you could be held responsible for the costs associated with the crash, including medical bills and property damage and be sued for emotional pain and suffering.

*Taken from "Have a Ball, Baby!  A Guide to Safe, Smashing Parties" from MADD