Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Health Education

Party Guide / Responsible Hosting

Before Your Get-Together, Get it Together!
Be a Responsible Host and Lower Your Risk of Liability

Did you know?

As host of a party you are responsible for your guests. If any injuries occur as a result of alcohol that you served, you could be held liable. It is up to you to be sure that your guests are safe in your home, your office or wherever you have planned the party.
Protect yourself and your guests. Know your legal responsibility and plan ahead to lower the risk!

As a host you can be held responsible for injury and damages that occur as a result of the alcohol you provide.
You are responsible for what happens to guests when they are in your home or on your property.
You are responsible for your guests at functions you organize, weddings, street parties and company parties.
You are responsible for the safety and behaviour of your guest until they are sober, not just until they leave your party or functions.

If you're planning a party

Avoid extra salty, sweet or greasy snacks that can make guests thirsty.
Alcohol-free drinks will always be available. Everyone should have a choice to drink alcohol or not. Check out the great non-alcoholic mocktail recipes at floras-hideout.com and cocktail.uk.com.
A plan for making sure guests get home safely is in place. Be sure designated drivers are available, take away car keys and call taxis if necessary, and plan for overnight guests.
Guests will always be served by a responsible bartender. An open bar makes it difficult to gauge your guests drinking and encourages guests to drink more. A bartender who is certified with TIPS Training.
Alcohol will no longer be served at least one hour before the party ends. Serve more alcohol-free drinks and food at this time.
Alcohol will not be mixed in with activities like boating or swimming. Alcohol will increase the risk of someone getting hurt. If your party involves recreational sport, serve drinks only after the activity is complete.
There will always be a sober and alert person to monitor the party. They will watch for guests that become intoxicated and be able to ensure their safety.

Low-Risk Drinking

Abstain from drinking if you are under 21 years of age.
Consider your limits before you begin drinking.
Eat a full meal before you begin drinking; include dairy products.
Drink no more than 2 alcoholic beverages/day (men).
Drink no more than 1 alcoholic beverage/day (women).
Be social---sip drinks slowly, rather than tossing them back.
Drink beer, wine and mixed drinks that are diluted, rather than taking "shots".
Space drinks over time. Drink non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic ones.
Avoid "spiked" drinks.
Abstain from drinking alcohol when you are taking medication.
Keep your drink in full sight throughout the evening. Always know what you are drinking.
Have a plan for getting home safely before you begin drinking.
Drink for the taste and not for the purpose of getting drunk.

Being A Responsible Host

Remember how important it is to plan things carefully!
Alcohol, if served, should not be a major focus of the event. Consider a theme party; and plan non-alcoholic games.
Keep an eye on your guests to ensure that they are having a good time, and to be sure that no behavior gets out of control.
If you're serving an alcoholic punch, use non-carbonated beverages in it; this helps slow the absorption rate of alcohol.
If you're serving alcohol, be sure to serve attractive non-alcoholic beverages as alternatives. Make sure that these beverages are visible and easily accessible to guests.
Serve some tasty food. This helps to slow the absorption rate of the alcohol.
espect guests who don't want to drink or have decided to slow down or stop for the evening.
Serve an alternative beverage such as coffee an hour or so before the party ends. Realize that this does not help someone sober up, but it does allow for time to pass before they leave.
When it is time to leave, be sure that the drivers can drive safely. If not find someone else to drive, play the game "find the car keys" with them, call a taxi or find them a place to stay.