Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 1, 1993 TAG: 9312140097
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By BETH CRITTENDEN SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
But overdoing the alcohol can be a threat at any festive occasion, and the results can be deadly. Last year, 379 Virginians were killed in alcohol-related automobile crashes, including 14 on Christmas Day and 10 on New Year's Day. Nearly 11,500 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes.
This year, as you are planning or planning to attend a holiday party, take a minute or two to incorporate some common-sense ideas to make your holiday party as safe as possible for all who attend.
This doesn't mean you have to cancel the celebrations and humbug your way through the holidays. Just play it safe to reduce the risk of accidents, minimize liability and still have fun.
The following tips show you how.
When choosing a location for a party, choose a caterer or establishment that does not require a minimum liquor sale or bases the cost on a percentage of liquor consumption. These are not responsible business practices.
Make the occasion a dressy affair. People tend to act more responsibly in formal attire.
At an office party, make it clear beforehand that excessive drinking is unacceptable.
Encourage designated drivers or designate one responsible person to stay sober and make sure no one drives home when they have had too much to drink.
Have guests drop keys in a fishbowl and designate one non-drinking person to return keys only to those who are fit to drive.
Hire a professional bartender responsible for pouring measured drinks and refusing to serve anyone who has had enough. Many working bartenders are available for private parties on their nights off or can refer you to someone who is.
Avoid extended cocktail hours. Forty-five minutes is long enough.
Make sure non-alcoholic beverages are displayed prominently and appealingly.
Set up the bar in an out-of-the-way area that is not prominently displayed.
Offer non-alcoholic drinks first.
Delay opening the bar until guests have had a chance to attack the food. Many people will arrive with an empty stomach, which is not the time to start consuming alcohol.
Serve only one glass at a time and measure the shots for mixed drinks; many will overindulge when faced with a keg, pitcher, bottles or a punch bowl. At restaurants, beware of the "bottomless" drink glass. It may be a mark of good service, but guests may not realize how much they are drinking.
Serve a variety of foods, concentrating on those high in protein or fat, like meats, unsalted nuts, eggs and cheese. These slow the absorption of alcohol into the system. Stay away from salty snacks, since they make you more thirsty.
Close the bar an hour before the party's end and reserve the last hour to give away door prizes, exchange gifts or give speeches.
Arrange for a taxi or limousine service to be available if necessary. The following limousine services are available by advance reservations only, with the exception of Roanoke Airport Limousine, which offers some call-in service. A Top Hat Limousine Service: 989-6533 Around Town Limousine: 731-9175 or 800-244-7761 Cartier Limousine Service: 982-5466 Prestige Limousine Service: 989-6037 Roanoke Airport Limousine Service: 345-7710
Taxi service is available around the clock for those who are better off out of the driver's seat. Local taxi services already gearing up for the holidays include: Salem Taxi: 389-8131 Yellow Cab Co. of Roanoke: 345-7711
Yellow Cab Co. of Roanoke has joined forces with the law firm of Chandler, Franklin and O'Bryan to provide free or low-cost taxi transportation to those who have misjudged their alcohol consumption during holiday parties. The law firm will pick up the cab fare, within a 10-mile radius of Roanoke, for anyone under the influence of alcohol who should not be operating a vehicle. This service, "Safe Ride Home", is available from 6 p.m. December 24, through midnight January 1. Participants will only be taken to their homes.
Not all of these tips will be appropriate for your parties, but keep the list in mind when planning for the events. Try to incorporate as many tips as possible and make sure everyone leaves your party safely, continuing to enjoy the joyous holidays.
Most of all, be prepared. Standing up to a friend or colleague who has had too much to drink is never easy. Just keep in mind the high stakes involved in the drinking and driving game and make your choice between losing a friend or losing a life. It can come down to that.
Beth Crittenden is a Botetourt County free-lance writer and director of the Roanoke Valley Wine Society.
by CNB