Adult-oriented Halloween parties are on the rise, and many of those frightening festivities will include alcohol. If you are in charge of throwing this year’s monster bash, here are 7 tips to help your guests safely enjoy the “spirits” of the season:
Have plenty of alcohol-free choices available for designated drivers or those who don’t want to drink. And don’t leave your non-imbibing ghouls out of the fun! These recipes will help you to concoct some celebration-worthy, non-alcohol potions:
- Offer cheese to go with that wine. Guests are more likely to become inebriated—and to leave that way—if they are drinking on an empty stomach. Serving food encourages guests to drink more moderately and slows down the effects of alcohol.
- Invite guests to crash—at your place, that is. The easiest way to avoid drunk driving is not to drive at all. If your Halloween celebration will go into the witching hours, turn it into a slumber party to keep intoxicated friends off the road.
- Provide options for a sober ride home. Post numbers of local taxi companies near the door, or arrange to have cabs or ridesharing services waiting at the end of the evening. People are more likely to choose a sober ride when it is easy and convenient.
- Hire a bartender for the night. A designated server can keep an eye on your guests’ alcohol consumption and cut off people who have reached their limit.
- Never serve alcohol to underage guests. It’s illegal, it’s dangerous, and if you provide alcohol you can be held responsible for any damage or injuries an underage drinker causes.
- Don’t be afraid to intervene if someone attempts to get behind the wheel while drunk. Call a ride on their behalf, take away their keys, or call the police for assistance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that between 2011 and 2015, alcohol impairment was linked to 45% of all traffic deaths during Halloween. Don’t think it is any of your business if guests drink and drive? Think again. Many states have social-host laws that make a host criminally or civilly responsible for damages and injuries caused by an over-served guest. And more importantly: keeping intoxicated guests off the road could save a life.
