It's that time of year again when many Canadians enjoy getting together to celebrate with family and friends. If you are going to host a
holiday season party or dinner, being a responsible host goes a long way to ensure that all your guests will be comfortable and have a good
time. Since alcohol is often part of social gatherings, put everyone’s safety and enjoyment at the top of your party-planning list.
Planning is the key to safe and successful gatherings
When you are the host of an event, either at home or at work, your attention may be focused on greeting family, friends and colleagues,
preparing festive food, decorating and entertaining. As the host, you should also be aware of the amount of alcohol individual guests are
consuming. This can be a difficult task, but planning ahead will reduce the risks and help prevent problems. For example, to help keep
alcohol consumption in check, have appealing alternatives such as mocktails (cocktails without alcohol added) on hand.
Anyone hosting a party where alcohol is being served could be left with more than a mess to clean up in the morning if they haven't
planned ahead. Serving alcohol to someone may expose you to risks you weren't aware of. Did you know that you can be held legally
responsible for injuries or 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 also responsible for your guests
at other functions you organize, like company parties. And you may be held responsible for the safety and behaviour of your guests until
they're sober, not just until they leave your party or function.
Tips for responsible hosting
When you are serving alcohol, accept "no thanks" the first time. Some people find it hard to say no. Don't make it harder for them.
Always use a shot glass so guests know how much they are drinking. Don't pour doubles. Don't rush refills. Make sure food is available.
Food helps slow down the speed at which alcohol is absorbed into a person’s bloodstream. Avoid salty, very sweet or greasy foods as they
increase thirst. (Source: Addictions
Foundation of Manitoba)
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Responsible Hosting Tips1 - The Top 10 List
Following this ‘Top 10’ tips list can reduce the risks of excessive drinking and increase the enjoyment of both guests and hosts:
- The number one party tip is... Don't drink too much yourself. As the host, you can stay on top of potential problems better when you can think clearly and act
quickly.
- Plan ahead so that it's easy to follow this advice. If a legal problem arises, having used these tips may help.
- Stop serving alcohol well before the party is over. Bring out coffee, more alcohol-free drinks and more food.
- Find out how your guests will be getting
home. Be prepared to take away car keys. Know your designated drivers. Have cash and phone numbers ready for taxis.
- Have a plan to deal with guests who drink too much. Someone reliable should help you keep things under control.
- Mix drinks yourself or ask someone to be the bartender. Guests usually drink more when they serve themselves.
- Be prepared for overnight guests.
- Serve snacks. Try vegetables, cheeses and light dips—they're great and don't make your guests thirsty.
- Have low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks available.
- Don't plan physical activities when you serve alcohol. People are more prone to accidents after drinking.
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Cooking with alcohol
Many people think that alcohol used in food preparation completely evaporates during cooking because of its low boiling point. A study done for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition has proven otherwise. In this study, a selection of recipes representing various cooking methods, times, temperatures and alcoholic beverages were analyzed for alcohol retention. Of the six recipes tested, all retained alcohol, from 4% in the long-simmering pot roast Milano to 85% in the Grand Marnier Sauce. As a rule, flaming results in smaller losses then cooking produces. Also, don’t count on alcohol evaporating during storage. The Brandy Alexander pie, stored overnight in the refrigerator, retained approximately 70% alcohol.
When in doubt, don't use alcohol in cooking. Most recipes that include alcoholic beverages in the ingredients usually provide non-alcoholic alternatives or list alcohol as optional.
Planning and prevention strategies help increase everyone’s holiday enjoyment, and contribute to the kind of happy and safe festive season we all wish for.
Additional Resources:
The
responsible host
Alberta
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC)
Project
Red Ribbon
MADD
Canada
Free Safe Drinking Evaluation
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel (December 1 to 7, 2003)
Canada Safety Council
CHN Substance Use and Addiction Affiliate Consortium Members’ Web Sites
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM)
Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH)
1 Responsible hosting tips: adapted from the Having a Party? brochure, co-produced by the Addiction Research Foundation (now the
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) and the
Liquor Control Board of Ontario.
Augustin, J. et al. Alcohol Retention in Food Preparation. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 92 (4) : (1992) 486-88.
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This article was prepared by the CHN 
