for the host

If you are hosting an event at your home, you no doubt feel a sense of responsibility for your guests.  Here are some tips that may help make your event a success:

• Make sure everyone has money for cabs or public transit, or make up your spare room or couch for unexpected overnight guests.
• Just say no. Politely, but firmly, tell them you cannot let them drive home because you care. You may find this difficult to do, but your actions could save a life.
• You may want to pay the fare in advance for a friend. That's one way to show you really care.
• Have a sleepover. This way you won't have to drive and your guest or friend won't have to return the next day for the car.
• Parking plan. If you’re having a party at your house and parking is limited, arrange for a few overnight parking spots – either with your neighbours, or in a nearby lot that is secure.
• Gotcha! Hide something of theirs they can’t leave without – like their shoes.
• Reach out and touch someone. If they have a cell phone, ask them who ion their speed-dial that they can call for a ride.
• Equal opportunity. Offer all guests – not just designated drivers – an assortment of alcohol-free drinks: Mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, bottled water and coffee.
• Adults only. Remember that the legal drinking age in New Brunswick is 19.
• Have a game plan. Plan ahead to help minimize risks for you and your guests.
• Put the drinks on ice. If you’re serving alcohol at your party, enjoy it after any physical activities end. Drinking and driving, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling or snowboarding simply don’t mix.
• Take the fizz out. Use a non-carbonated base such as fruit juice for alcoholic punches. Carbonation makes the body absorb alcohol faster.
• Your serve. Serve drinks yourself or appoint a reliable friend as bartender – guests drink more at open bar. And remember, measuring is a must.
• Chow down. Serve plenty of high-starch, high-protein foods so your guests don’t  drink on an empty stomach. Salty, sweet or greasy snack foods increase thirst.
• Last call. Close down your bar at least an hour before the party officially ends. Offer guests desserts, coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks.
• Happy trails. Do whatever it takes to prevent drinking and driving. Encourage designated drivers, keep cash and taxi numbers on hand and prepare for overnight guests. Be prepared to take car keys away and never ride in vehicle with anyone who has been drinking.
• The host with the most. Drink moderately, so you can react quickly and avoid problems.

Here are some hints on how to get the keys from someone who has been drinking and intends to drive:

• Be calm. Joke about it. Make light of it.
• Make it clear that you're doing them a favour by taking their keys.
• Find the keys while they are distracted and take them away. They'll probably think they've lost them and will be forced to let someone else drive.
• If it’s a close friend, be soft and calm. Speak to him or her privately and suggest that they let someone else drive, or take a cab or public transit.
• If it’s a good friend, partner, or loved one, refuse to get in the car with them. Tell him or her you will ride with someone else, take public transportation, or walk.
• If you don't know the person well, speak to their friends and ask them to help get the keys. Even if you do know someone well, it’s a good idea to enlist someone else’s help incase you encounter some resistance.

Thanks to LCBO for sharing their responsible hosting tips